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PROCEEDINGS 



OF THE 



SECOND CHURCH AND PARISH 



IN 






EXHIBITED 



IN 



A COLLECTION OF PAPERS, 



PUBLISHED AGREEABLY TO A VOTE OF THE CHURCH. 



Second Edition. 



BOSTON: 
PRINTED BY SAMUEL T. ARMSTRONG; 

No, 50, Cornhill. 

1812. C^ 



#^I!V 



At a Meeting of the Second Church in Dorchester^ 
April 20, 1812. 

WHEREAS a Second Ecclesiastical Council is to be 
convened on the \2thday of May next, at the request 
of a majority of the Second Parish in this town and 
some aggrieved members of this Church: and as many 
misrepresentations have been made, and erroneous re- 
ports are in circidation, 

VOTED, That the Papers, relating to the agree- 
ment made with our Pastor previous to his Ordination, 
and the proceedings, which have since taken place, and 
led to the existing difficulties in the Parish, be printed 
for the use of the Council, and all others who wish to 
obtain correct information on the subject: and, that 
Deacons Stephen Badlam. Ebenezer Withington, 
and Joseph Clap, jun. and Brethren James Baker, 
John Capen, J2«?i. Joseph Clap, and Stephen Robin- 
son be a Committee to carry this vote info effect. 

Attest, JOHN CODMAN, 

Clerk of the Church 



CONTENTS. 



Vote of the Church giving Mr. Codraan a Call 

Vote of the Parish concurring witti the Church 

Letter enclosing the Votes of the Church and Parish 

Mr. Codman's Answer . . , , - 

Mr. Codman's Communication previous to accepting his Call 

Vote of the Church accepting the Communication 

Vote of the Parish accepting the Communication 

Letter of the Parish Committee - . - - 

Mr. Codman's Answer to his Call .... 

Mr. Codman's Confession of Faith _ - - 

Address to Rev. Mr. Codman respecting Exchanges 
Letter accompanying the Address . - - 

Rev. Mr, Codman's Answer - - - - - 

Anonymous Application to the Assessors of the Second Parish 
Assessors' Reply - - 
Proceedings at the Parish Meeting 
Pews advertised in the Centinel - - • 

Application for a Parish Meeting 
Proceedings at the Parish Meeting 
Letter to several Ministers - - - 

Address to Rev. Mr, Codman from several Gentlemen in his Parish 
Address from several Ladies ... 

Rev. Mr. Codman's Answer to the Addresses 
Petition to the General Court _ . - 

Pews advertised in the Centinel and Clironlcle 
Rev. Mr. Bates's Letter to the Parish Committee 
Rev. Dr. Morse's Letter to the Parish Committee - - - 

Address to Rev. Mr. Codman from several Gentlemen in his Parish 
Proceedings at a Parish Meeting . - . . - 

Thomas Tileston, Esq. to Rev. Mr. Codman . . - 

Proceedings at a Meeting of the Friends of the Rev, Mr. Codman 
Correspondence between Rev. Mr. Codman and T. Tileston, Esq. 
respecting a Council ..... 45 

Application for a Cliurch Meeting - .. - . 

Letter from the Parish Committee contained Charges against Rev 
Mr. Codman ..... 

Letter from the aggrieved Members of the Clmrch containing Charges 
agah^st Rev, Mr. Codman ..... 

Church Meeting --.-... 

Rev. Mr. Codman to T. Tileston, Esq. - . . . 

Church Meeting ....... 

RevMr. Codman's Defence ..... 

Report of Church Committee - . . - . 

Church Committee to Rev. Mr. Codman respecting his salary 

Rev. Mr Codman's Answer . . . . . 



Page. 

9 

- 10 



ib, 
ib. 
11 
14 
ib. 
ib. 
16 
17 
22 

ea 

ib. 

24 
ib. 
25 
26 
27 
ib. 
29 
SO 
32 
33 
.'^4 
35 
36 
40 
42 
44 
45 
ib. 

-63 
ib. 

- 63 

66 
68 
70 
ib. 
71 
85 
93 



. 94 

Correspondence between Rev. Mr. Codman and T. Tileston, Esq. 95—101 
Council chosen . - .... 1()3 

Letter Missive - - - - - - - ib. 



IV CONTENTS. 

~ . Page. 

Church Meeting ----... jqS 

Letter from the Parish Committee withdrawing the third article of 

charge - - . - . - - - 105 

Result of Council - - - • - - - ib. 

Petition of Ebenezer Dorr and others - - . . 109 

Parish Meeting- - - -- . . m 

T. Tileston, Esq. to Rev. Mr. Codman - - - - 112 

Application for a Church Meeting - - . , jb. 

Kev. Mr. Codman to T. Tileston, Esq. - - . 113 

Church Meeting -.-.., jb^ 

Rev. Mr. Codman to T. Tileston, Esq. - - - - ib. 

T. Tileston, Esq. to Rev. Mr. Codman ... 114 

Report of the Committee of the Church - - . . 116 

Rev. Mr. Codman to T. Tileston, tsq. - - . - 120 

Stephen Badlam, Esq. to T. Tileston, Esq. - . . 121 

T. Tileston, Esq. to Stephen Badlam, Esq. « - . ib. 

Proposals for accommodation - - , . 522 

Vote of the Church respecting a deed of seven acres of land - 124 

Second Ecclesiastical Council - * - - ■ ib. 

Result of Second Council ... - io. 



ERRATUM. 

Page 18, line 13 from bottom for effect read affect. 



COLLECTION OF PAPERS. 



Fote of the Church. 

x\.T a meeting; of the second Church of Christ in Dorchesteri 
duly notified Sept. 9th, J 808, for the purpose of consulting tO"* 
gether respecting a Pastor, and if agreeable to them of inviting 
Mr. John Codman to accept the pastoral office in said Church; 
prayer being made by the Rev. Mr. Harris for divine direction, 
light, and assistance in the solemn and important business for 
which the church was convened, the meeting was opened, and 
the following votes passed unanimously. 

1. That the Rev. Mr. Harris be the Moderator and Clerk of 
the meeting. 

2. That the Church are now ready to proceed to the choice 
©fa Pastor. 

3. Tiiat the choice be made by v/ritten votes. 

The brethren being then called upon to prepare and bring in 
their votes, they did so, all of which were for Mr. John Codmaa 
of Boston. The Moderator then declared the vote. 

They then voted to request the Assessors to call a meeting of 
the second parish as soon as convenient; to lay before them the 
vote of the Church, making choice of Mr. John Codman as their 
Pastor, for their concurrence and approbation, and should they 
concur in the same, to request that they would make provision 
for the settlement and support of the Pastor elect. 

Voted, That the meeting be dissolved. 

After which the Moderator united with the Church in devout 
acknowledgements of praise to Almighty God for the entire 
harmony and unanimity with which the business had been 
transacted and accomplished. 

(Copy) Jttest. Thaddeus Mason Harris, C^erk. 



10 

Vote of the Parish. 

At a legal meeting of the second parish in Dorchester, ela 
Tuesday, the 20th September, Anno Domini, 1808, 

Voted, To concur with the Church in their vote of the 9th 
Jnstant, in giving Mr. John Codman a call to settle in the min- 
istry in the second parish in Dorchester; which was unanimously 
agreed to, with the exception of four votes. 

Voted, To give Mr. John Codman one thousand dollars an- 
nually for his services as our gospel minister. 

Voted, To choose a committee of three persons to make the- 
communication to Mr. John Codman of the doings of the 
Church and parish, when Messrs. Thomas Tileston, Samuel 
Withington, and Joseph Clap, were accordingly chosen. 

^ true copy. Attest, Thomas Tileston, Pariah Clerk. 



To Mr, John Codman, resident in PoHland. 

Sir, With the greatest pleasure we announce to you the great 
unanimity which has prevailed both in the Church and Parish 
in giving you a call to settle with us, and however pleasing your 
acceptance of their invitation may be to them, you may rest 
assured, sir, that it will not be less so to the committee, who 
have the honor of transmitting to you the result of their pro- 
ceedings. We herewith enclose you the proceedings of the 
Church, and wish to hear from you as soon as convenient- 
With great respect, we subscribe ourselves your humble 
servants, Thomas Tileston, 

Samuel Withington, 
Dorchester, Sept. 2\st, 1808. Joseph ClaP. Committee. 
Mr, J. Codman. 



Rev. Mr. Codman'^s Answer. 

Messrs. Thomas Tileston, Samuel Withington^ and Joseph Clapf 

Coinmittee oj the second parish in Dorchester. 
Gentlemen, It is with sentiments of the most heartfelt gratitude 
and esteem towards the parish you represent that I acknowledge 
the receipt of their kind invitation, which you have been so good 
as to communicate to me. You must be fullv sensible of thf 



11 

interesting situation in which I am now placed, and I mus.t 
therefore beg the indulgence of the Church and society in al- 
lowing me time for prayer and consideration on a subject so 
intimately connected with my future happiness. As soon as I 
shall have given the subject the attention it so eminently de- 
serves, I will return an answer to the invitation. In the mean 
time believe me to be with great regard for the Church and 
society which you represent, your much obliged friend and ser^ 
yant. John Codman. 

Portland^ Se/it, 23, 1808. 



Rev. Mr, Codman's Communication previous to m^ 
cepting his CalL 

To the members of the second Church of Christ in Dorchester. 
My christian fbiends and brethren, I have received your 
unanimous call to settle with you as your Pastor, with sentiments 
difficult, indeed impossible, for me to express. The entire 
unanimity of the call demands my most devout acknowledge- 
ments to the great Head of the Church, and my warmest grat- 
itude to those who have thought proper to give me their votes. 

I have endeavored to lay this very important subject at the 
footstool of the throne of grace; and to seek that wisdom which 
cometh from above, which is profitable to direct. It has also 
been my endeavor to advise with pious a»d judicious friends 
upon a subject so intimately connected with my future happi- 
ness. But, before I give a definite answer to your application, 
1 think it my duty to make a few remarks, and to enter into some 
€x/ilanatio7is, which are highly important and interesting, both 
to you and me. 

You must be sensible that the office of a minister of the Gos- 
pel is in the greatest degree important and responsible. 

Immortal souls are committed to his charge, and we are as- 
sured that the Lord will require their blood at his hands. It 
becomes him then, as he regards the commands, and values the 
favor of the great Jehovah, as he regards his ordination vows, 
as he values immortal souls, to declare the whole counsel of 
God, to deliver his message with boldness, to be faithful unto 
death. He will necessarily sometimes speak of doctrines that 
xn&y not be altogether congenial to his hearers. It therefore ap- 



12 

Jjf'eafs to me highly impovt^int to fir event future diffi^culties for 
the people, and especially the Church, in their choice of a iriin- 
ister, to be lully acquainted with his views, with regard to the 
peculiar doctrines of the Gospel. 

The second Church and Society in Dorchester, before they 
gave me a call had but little opportunity to form an opinion of 
my Theological sentiments, having heard me only two sabbaths 
and one lecture. 

On those occasions however, I endeavored to be plain, explicit, 
and decided in the avowal of my religious opinions. 

Lest, however, there should be a doubt in the mind of any 
one upon this subject, I think it my duty in the presence of a 
heart searching God, and of this Church, to declare my firm, 
unshaken faith in those doctrines, that are sometimes called 
the doctrines of the reformation, the doctrines of the cross, the 
peculiar doctrines of the Gospel. 

These doctrines, through the help of God, I intend to preach; 
in the faith of these doctrines I hope to live; and in the faith of 
these doctrines I hope to die. 

It gives me great pleasure to have it in my power to say, 
that I believe my faith is the same with that of our venerable 
forefathers; and particularly with that of the former Pastors of 
the Church of Dorchester, Warham, Maverick, Mather, 
Burr, 8cc. he &c. 

As Avian and Socinian errors have of late years crept into 
gome of our Churches, I think it my duty to declare to that 
Church of Christ, of whom I may have the pastoral charge, that 
I believe the Father^ Son^ and Holy Ghost to be the one living and 
true God; and, that my faith, in general, is conformable to the 
assembly's catechism, and to the confession of faith drawn up 
by the elders and messengers of the Congregational Churches 
ill the year 1680, and recommended to the Churches by the 
General Court of Massachusetts. 

With regard to the discipline of the Church, I shall be guided 
by that excellent platform of Church discipline, drawn up at 
Cambridge, principally by the Reverend Richard Mather, for- 
merly minister of Dorchester. 

I have thus discharged a duty, which I thought I owed to the 
Great Head ot the Church, and to you his visible members. 

^Before 1 conclude, allow me to ask a, favor of the Church and 
Society V, hich will much conduce to my future happiness. It is 
lysy desire to use Dr. Watts's Psalms and H)mns in our worship; 



©f their merit as pious, poetical compositions nd candid person 
«an doubt, and it would be difficult to assign a sufficient reason 
why they should not be sung- in our Churches. 

The collection now used, contains mtiny excellent hymns 
particularly those of Mrs. Steele's, Dr. Doddridge's, 8cc. See. &c. 
But on many accounts it appears to me exceedingly defective. 
Unwarrantable liberties are taken in altering Dr. Watts's lan- 
guage. 

The doxolcgies of Dr. Watts, the ascriptions of praise to the 
glorious Trinity, are expressly left out, and the preface contains 
expressions in my humble opinion, derogatory to the glory due 
to the one God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 

Should the Church and Society think proper to grant this re- 
quest, I will endeavor to select a few hymns from Mrs. Steele, 
and Dr. Doddridge, and others, as a supplement to Dr. Watts; 
should it be urged as an objection that the expense wouid be 
considerable to many families, who could not well afford it; I am 
willing to bear part of the expense myself, and will be ready to 
furnish any family, that cannot afford to purchase a new hymn 
book,with Watts's collection, and take their old ones in exchange. 

Another favor, which I would ask of the Church and Society, 
is, that they would grant me the use of the porch, back of the 
puipit for a vestry; that is, that they would allow me to have a 
stove or fire place erected in it and fitted up in such a manner as 
to suit my convenience; my object is to have a room^ to retire to in 
had weather, before going into the pulpit; to catechise the 
children in it, and to accommodate those mothers and nurses 
who may bring their children to baptism. As this would so 
much conduce to my convenience and to the convenience of 
others, I trust the society will think fit to relinquish the porch 
for a passage way, and to grant it for the purpose above men- 
tioned. 

I have made this communication, my dear Christian friends 
and brethren, to prevent any 7nisuhderstanding betiveen usj; 
I wish you to know the sentiments of the man you have chosen 
to be your Pastor. 

If this communication should be agreeable, and you should 
indulge me by complying with my request, I shall soon be pre- 
pared to give my answer. In the mean time, believe me to be 
with Christian regards, your willing servant in the Ciospel of 
Christ. John Cob man. 

Copy, 



14 

Voie of the Church accepting the Communication. 

At a meeting of the second Church of Christ in Dorchester, 
held pursuant to usual notice, Monday, October the thirty-first, 
A. D. 1808. 

Voted^ That we agree to the communication and request of 
Mr. John Codman, whom we have unanimously elected, and 
called to be our Pastor, and as all the members of the religious 
society to which we belong are interested, and we believe 
desirous of promoting his convenience and future happiness, we 
Tefer all further proceedings on this subject to them. 

True Cofiyy Attest. Stephen Badlam, 

Dorchester, Oct. 31, 1808. Clerk of the Church^ 



Vote of the Parish accepting the Communication. 

At a meeting of the second parish in Dorchester, on Monday 
the 31st day of October, Anno Domini, 1808, continued by ad- 
journment, from the 1 1th day of said month. 

Mr. Samuel Withington, Moderator, Voted, That we 
agree to the communication and request of Mr. John Codman, 
our Pastor elect, and if he accepts our call to be our Gospel 
minister; that General Stephen Badlam, Deacon Joseph Clup, 
Messrs. Benjamin Fuller, Samuel Withington, Reuben Blake, 
Thomas Tileston, and John Capen, jun. be a committee to con- 
sult with him, and make such arrangements and alterations 
respecting the Psalms and Hymns to be used m future, and the 
vestry, as shall best accommodate his wishes and convenience,, 
and that of the members of the parish in general. 

And that said committee prepare and forward an answer te 
said communication. 

A true Copijy Attest. Thomas Tileston, PcmA Clerk. 



Letter of the Parish Committee. 

Dorchester^ October olst^ 1808. 
Mr. John Codman, 
Dear friend and brother. Although there may be a differ- 
ppce in opinion, among us, respecting some parts of the Holy 



15 

Scriptures; your communication is received with pleasure, and , 
general satisfaction; and we venerate the principles of our fore- 
fathers, especially the pious and worthy pastors of the Church 
of Christ in Dorchester, who have been as shining lights in the 
golden candlesticki and are happy to find you agree with thera 
in sentiment. 

We are sensible that the office of a misister of the Gospel is 
in the highest degree important and responsible; but if you 
accept that office, and we are the people of your charge; we 
hope it will not be rendered difficult, or unpleasant by the want 
of candor or propriety of conduct on our part, and that no root 
of bitterness will spring up to trouble us. 

In our present imperfect state, various opinions and discord- 
ant sentiments will exists and occasions occur for the exercise 
of a spirit of condescension, patience, and toleration; this spirit 
we wish to cultivate, as we all acknowledge the same Great 
Head of the church, and in him are all brethren; and if we 
follow his example shall be all friends. 

We all have important duties to perform, and may reasonably 
expect many difficulties to encounter, but we hope the guidance 
and blessing of the Father of lights will attend us, and bring us 
at last to the knowledge of the truth, and enjoyment of himself^ 
through the merits of our glorious Redeemer. 

In respect to the Psalms and Hymns you mention, some have 
a preference for those now used in Dorchester, but there is a 
disposition to comply with your request concerning those com- 
posed by Dr. Watts, and also respecting the vestry, and measures 
will be taken accordingly. 

A general unanimity and spirit of accommodation, w^e hope, 
will continue among us, and should you accept our call to the 
important duties of a Gospel minister, we have no doubt but you 
■will use your endeavors to promote peace and friendship 
among the people of your charge, and to continue and confirm 
it among our sister churches and their pastors, and the univer- 
sity, of which you will be an overseer; by this means, social 
happiness and useful knowledge will be increased, religion will 
be honored and promoted, and even in this imperfect state, some 
pleasing ideas may be entertained of the heavenly regions of 
love and peace, when the redeemed of all nations and societies 
on earth, shall be united in one church of the first born; where 
one sentiment shall unite all their hearts, and «ne anthem of 



16 

praise shall tune all their voices, and heaven's high arch shall 
rebound their songs of joy. 

With high considerations of respect, we are your humble 
servants Stephen Badlam, Joseph Clap, Jr. 

Benj. Fuller, Samuel Withinoton, 

Reuben Blake, John Capen, Jr. 
Thomas Tileston. 
Connnittee of the second Pariah in Dorchester. 
.AT. B. The preceding was afterwards unanimously approved 
at a parish meeting. 



R&v, Mr. Codman'^s Answer to his Call. 

To the Second Citurch and Society in Dorchester. 
My christian friends and brethren. The moment has 
jnow arrived, when, in the providence of God, I am called to ac- 
cept the solemn and responsible charge of immortal souls. 
When I consider the importance of the ministerial character, 
and the nature and extent of ministerial duty, and when I reflect 
©n my own weakness as a worm of the dust, and on my guilt as 
a sinner, condemned by the righteous law of a Holy God; I am 
ready to exclaim "Who is sufficient for these things?'* And 
to wonder at the goodness and j^-race of God "in counting me 
faithful, putting me into the ministry." 

Sensible, however, that God can employ the weakest instru- 
ment to advance his cause, and the chief of sinners to promote 
his glory, and relying on the promises and encouragements of 
his holy word, I desire to go forward in the strength of the 
Lord, to the arduous work of the Gospel ministry. I accept the 
friendly and affectionate call, which you have so unanimously 
given i-ie, to be your Pastor, and shaii endeavor, with a humble 
reiicUice on Divine assistance, to discharge, with faithfulness, 
the important duties of the pastoral office. The satisfaction 
with which my communication has been received, and the readi- 
r.ess with which my requests has been granted, are considered 
by me, as proofs of your attachment, and will always be remem- 
bered with lively emotions of gratitude. 

The promotion of that peace, which is founded on true 
Christian firincijile, and not on carnal security, and of that unanim^ 
ittjj which is the e^'ect of the general recefition of evangelical truth, 
and not of indifference to religious ofiinionsy will be the subject 
of my prayers and the object of my life. 



17 

It will be my earnest endeavor, as far as consistent nvith the 
faithful discharge of ministerial duty^ to promote peace and 
friendship among the people of my charge, to do all in my pow- 
et* to continue and confirm it among our sister churches and 
their Pastors, and to promote the best interests of the univer- 
sity, of which I shall be an overseer. 

And now, my Christian friends and brethren, I look to you for 
encouragement, countenance, and support, in the arduous work 
in which I have engaged. After the explicit declaration which 
I have made in a late communication, you can be no strangers 
to the articles of my faith, and I trust you will unite with me 
<^in holding fast the form of sound words in faith and love, in 
contending earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints, 
lest any man spoil us through philosophy and vain deceit, after 
the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not 
after Christ." 

I ask an interest in your prayers. Frequently think of your 
Pastor at a throne of grace. Earnestly pray that God would 
grant him those gifts and graces, which are so essential to a 
Minister of the Gospel, and that He would make him faithful 
in declaring the whole counsel of God, and successful in win- 
ning souls to Christ. 

Accept my prayers for you. Brethren, "my heart's desire 
and prayer to God for you. Is, that you may ail be saved." If I 
know my own heart, I have no other motive in coming among 
you than to promote your eternal happiness. "For what is my 
hope or joy? or what will be my crown of rejoicing? will not 
even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 
I trust ye will be my glory and my joy. And now brethren, 
I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is 
able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all 
them which are sanctified." Believe me to be your willing ser- 
vant in the Gospel of Christ. John Codman. 



Rt'o, Mr, Codman^ s Confession of Faith. 

Read before the Ecclesiastical Council, Dec. 7, 180S. 

In conformity to ancient usages in our Churches, and with a de- 
pendence on the Spirit of God for illumination and direction, 
I desire humbly and reverently, in the presence of Almighty 



IB 

God, aiicl before this venerable council lo make a confession 
of my faith in the great doctrines of revealed religion. 

Existence of God. I believe in one God, self-existent, 
immortal, invisible, unchangeable, infinite in Avis^om, power, and 
goodness, without beginning of days or end of years. 

Holy Scriptures. I believe that God, out of his Sovereign 
pleasure and boundless goodness, has been pleased to reveal his 
mind and will in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament; 
and I believe "that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, 
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, and for correction, for 
instruction in righteousness." 

I take the Holy Scriptures to be the standard of my faith, and 
the rule of my practice, and not from the traditions of men, but 
from that inspired volume alone I desire to form the articles of 
my creed. 

Trinity. I believe that the Scriptures reveal as a funda' 
mental doctrine, that there are Three in the Godhead. The 
Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and that these Three are 
the One living and true God, the true Jehovah, the Christian's 
Covenanted God, the only proper object of religious worship; 
and although this doctrine is above my reason, I believe it is 
not contrary to it, but is to be received with meekness and hu- 
mility, to be spoken of with reverence and godly fear, and al- 
ways to be considered as a mystery, which to attempt to ex- 
plain, is presumption; and which to comprehend, is above the 
capacity of finite beings. 

Decrees of God. I believe that God, from all eternity, has 
fore-ordained whatsoever comes to pass; yet in such a manner 
as not to be the author of sin, nor to effect the accountability 
of man. 

I believe that God has elected some to everlasting life, while 
others are left to suffer the just punishment due to their sins. 

I believe that this doctrine is not without its practical uses, 
in making us humble, under a sense of our entire insufficiency, 
and in leading us to attribute our salvation, not to our own 
works, but to the free and sovereign grace of God. 

Creation and Providence. 1 believe that God, the Father, 
Son, and Holy Ghost, created the world and all things therein, 
visible and invisible, in the space of six days, and that He up- 
holds the same by the word of his power, exercising a general 
and particular providence over the work of his hands. 



19 

Covenant of Works. I believe that God created man up- 
right, and gave him a law as the rule of his obedience, when he 
said, "Of the tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat, but of 
the tree of the^ knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat; 
for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." I 
believe that it thus pleased God to enter into covenant with man, 
and that the first covenant made with man was a covenant of 
works, "wherein life was promised to Adam, and in him to all 
his posterity upon condition of perfect obedience.'* 

The Fall* I believe, that, enticed by the craft and subtilty 
of the devil, our first parents disobeyed the command of their 
Maker, broke his covenant, fell from the estate in which they 
were created, and thus exposed themselves and all their poster- 
ity to the penalty of God's most righteous law, temporal, spirit- 
ual, and eternal death. 

Original Sin and actual Transgression. I believe, that, 
in consequence of Adam's transgression, all his posterity are 
"by nature children of wrath;" and in addition to this original 
pollution every one who arrives at an age to distinguish good 
from evil is guilty of actual transgression; and I believe, that God 
might have left our first parents and all their posterity, to have 
perished eternally, and his justice have remained uninfringed and 
unimpaired. 

Covenant of Grace. But I believe, that, out of his free 
and sovereign grace. He has been pleased to have mercy on 
man, and to enter into another covenant with him, commonly 
called the covenant of grace: wherein he freely otters sinners 
life and salvation by Jesus Christ, requiring of them faith in 
him, that they may be saved. 

Jesus Christ. I believe that God the Father, in his eternal 
purpose hath appointed the Lord Jesus Christ, to be the onl^ 
mediator between God and man; and I believe, that in the ful- 
ness of time, the second person in the glorious Trinity, who is 
God over all, blessed forevermore; and who thought it no rob- 
bery to be equal with God the Father, condescended to take 
upon himself the human nature, to be subject to all its infirmi- 
ties, yet without sin. I believe, that, he was conceived by the 
Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin ^lary, that he was truly God, 
and truly man; and I believe that this glorious Person, myste- 
riously uniting the Divine and human natures, is the true 
Christ, the only sure foundation upon which sinful man can 
build his hopes. I believe, that, he fulfilled the violated law, 



20 

by a perfectly holy life, and by offering himself on the cross as 
a sacrifice for sin, thereby satisfying the justice of God, and 
making an atonement for the sins of men; so that "God can 
now be just, and justify every one who believeth in Jesus." 
I believe, that, he descended into the grave, that he rose the 
third day from the dead, that he ascended into heaven, and now 
sitteth at the right hand of God the Father, and ever liveth to 
make intercession for his people. 

Holy Ghost. I believe, that, the Holy Ghost is the third 
person in the Godhead, and that it is his office in the plan of 
Redemption, to renew the hearts of the elect, and to carry on 
the work of Sanctification until the day of Jesus Christ, 

Regeneration. I believe that Regeneration is the imme- 
diate work of the Holy Spirit; opening the eyes of the spirit- 
ually blind, taking away the heart of stone, and giving a heart 
of flesh; renewing the will and changing the disposition from 
the love of sin to the love of holiness; and from the power of 
satan unto God. 

Sanctification. Sanctification, I believe also to be a work 
of the Spirit, and to be a continuation of the work of Regen- 
eration. 

Saving Faith. Saving Faith, I believe to be the gift of God; 
and to be that grace by which a sinner receives Christ as offer- 
ed to him in the Gospel, and relies upon his merits for salva- 
tion. 

Justification by Faith. I believe, that, by the deeds of 
the law, no flesh shall be justified; but I believe that all God's 
people are justified by faith in the Son of God; the righteous- 
ness of Christ being imputed to them, and they receiving the 
same by faith. 

Adoption. I believe, that, those whom God justifies, he 
adopts into his family, and makes heirs of God and joint heirs 
with Christ. 

Repentance unto Life. Repentance unto life I believe to 
be that grace, by which a sinner mourns for his sins, as offen- 
sive to a pure and holy God, and turns from them unto God, re- 
volving in the strength of the Lord to keep his commandments. 

Good Works. I believe, that. Good Works, a holy life and 
blameless conversation, and a general conformity to the moral 
law is a requisite evidence of a sincere faith and repentance. 

Perseverance of the Saints. I believe, that, those who 
f.re renewed, justified and sanctified,, notwithstanding all the 



21 

assaults of the world, the llesh and the devil, shall persevere 
unto the end, and obtahi everlasting life. 

Invisible and Visible Church. I believe, that, Christ has 
a Church in the world, and that the "gates of hell shall not pre- 
vail against it." I believe, that, this Church is invisible and 
visible. That the invisible Church consists of all those who 
are, have been, or ever shall be gathered into one, under Christ, 
its head; and that there is a visible Church, consisting of all those 
who have made a profession of their faith in Christ, with their 
children. I believe, that, Christ has instituted two Sacraments 
in his Church; Baptism, and the Lord's Supper. 

Baptism. I believe, that, Baptism is the mode which God 
has been pleased to appoint for admission into the visible 
Church; and is to be considered as a sign and seal of the 
covenant of grace; and that it is to be administered to believers 
and their offspring only. 

Lord's Supper. I believe, that the Lord has been pleased 
to institute the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, in perpetual 
commemoration of his death and sufferings, to be observed by- 
all his disciples, and his disciples only, to the end of the world. 
Resurrection. I believe, that after death, the dust shall re- 
turn to the earth, as it was, and the spirit unto God, who gave 
it; and that at the sound of the last trump, the dead shall be 
raised, incorruptible, and they which are alive and remain, shall 
be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. 

Judgment. I believe, that, God has appointed a day wherein 
he will judge the world in righteousness, by Jesus Christ; 
when all men shall appear before the Judgment seat of Christ, 
to give an account of their thoughts, Avords, and actions, and to 
receive according to what they have done in the body, whether 
good or evil. 

Final State of the righteous and the wicked. 
I believe, that there are distinct states prepared for the right- 
eous and the wicked. A state of endless felicity for the 
righteous, and of endless torments for the wicked; and that 
after sentence is pronounced, the ^'wicked shall go away into, 
everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal." 

John Codman. 



22 
ADDRESS 

to 

Rev. Mr. Codman 

respecting 

EXCHANGES. 

Rer. Mr. Codraan, 
Sir, We your parishioners, with diffidence address you, on a 
subject which we think a very important one. We are 
fully aware that quarrels and dissentions between clergymen, 
and their people, are fraught with serious evils; they set the 
father against the son, and the son against the father, and 
thereby all the peace and happiness of society is undermined; this 
we have all v/itnessed near at home. And to prevent as much as 
in our power this awful calamity, we have thought fit to submit 
to you, for your consideration, the following: 

We do not presume, neither have we a wish to prescribe what 
doctrine would be most congenial to our feelings to hear from 
you; but are willing you should exercise your own opinion. It is 
however,our humble opinion, that for a clergyman to be enabled to 
do good, promote the happiness and welfare of his parish, he must 
have the love, goodwill, and affections of his people, and thereby 
cause a punctual attendance on public worship* But the firin- 
cifial object we have in view, at this time^ is to represent to you, 
that there is a dissatisfaction and uneasiness in the parish, 
which appears to be daily increasing, and we fear if it is not soon 
checked, there will be much disorder and confusion in the 
parish, which we sincerely deprecate. 

The principal cause of which, we apprehend, arises from a 
disappointment that many of your parishioners feel from your not 
making your exchanges generally, with those ministers who 
preach the public lectures in Boston, on Thursdays, and with 
them indiscriminately. 

This we did expect, and this we think we have a just claim 
to expect from your own observations, previous to your being 
settled as our Minister. This we humbly submit to your candid 
consideration, and remain your friends, well wishers, and obedi- 
ent humble servants. Signed by 

Edmund Baker, Tho's Crehore, 
Benj. Fuller, and 37 others, 

Dorchester^ Nov. lOth^ 1809. 



23 
JLetter accompanying the Address. 

Dnrcbester, Dec.eth, 1809. 
Rev. Mr, John Codman, 
Sir, The undersigned are requested by the subscribers to the 
enclosed to transmit the same to you, and we by their request 
beg your indulgence so far as to receive the same and inves- 
tigate it, and make such use of it as you in your judgment may 
think most expedient. And we feel a lively hope, that you will 
be so directed by Divine Providence, as topursue such measures 
as may have a tendency to promote our spiritual and temporal 
good, and that we may long dwell together in unity. 

And we are authorized to say, if any one sentence of the 
enclosed should be thought expressed in a harsh or indecorous 
manner, or if any part of it can be so construed as to have the 
least semblance of imperative language, the same is an error of 
judgment and not of design, and we beg you to receive it as such. 
We are led to make those remarks, from suggestions of some 
who have seen the enclosed,that you possibly might so consider it. 
We remain with sentiments of the utmost friendship and es- 
teem, your devoted servants and friends. 

Thomas Crehore, Benj. Fuller, 
Saml. B. Lyon, Stephen Pierce, 

Edward W. Baxter. Committee. 



Rev. Mr. Codman^s Answer. 

Dorchester, Dec. 8th, 1809. 
<jent. I beg leave to acknov/ledge the receipt of a letter 
from you of the 6th inst. enclosing an address from a number 
of my parishioners; and I lose no time in returning through 
you an ansv/er to the same. 

No one can be more sensible than myself "that quarrels and 
dissentions between clergymen and their people are fraught 
with serious evils," and no one can be more desirous "to pre- 
vent so awful a calamity." I also fully agree with you in 
sentiment "that for a clergyman to do good, promote the 
happiness and welfare of his parish, he must have the love, 
goodwill, and affection of his people, and thereby cause a punc- 
tual attendance on public worship." But with regard to "Mr 
firincifial object which you profess to have in view at this time^^ 
you must give mc leave to say, that I never can nor never shall 
PLEDGE myself to exdiange pulpits with any man or body of 



g4 

men whatever; and that I never did, from any observation?^ 
previous to my being settled as your minister, give you any just 
claim to expect it. At the same time you may rest assured 
that, in my exchanges, as in every part of ministerial duty, it 
will be my endeavor as it always has been, to conciliate the 
affections and to promote the peace and happiness, but espe- 
cially the spiritual welfare of the people committed to my 
charge. And now Gentlemen of the Committee, I beg you to 
accept my thanks for your friendly and polite letter enclosing 
the address. Whatever might have been my opinion and feel- 
ings concerning several sentiments contained in the address, I 
am disposed to consider them, ^^as an error of judgment and not 
of design^ and as such to receive them." 

I remain gentlemen, with sentiments of the utmost friendship 
and esteem, your affectionate Pastor, John Codman. 

Thomas Crehore, Benj. Fuller, 
Saml. B. Lyon, btephea Pierce, 

Edward W. Baxter. Commiitee. 



Anonymous Application to the Assesors of the Second 

Parish. 

Gentlemen Assessors of the Second Parish^, 
Please to insert the following Articles in the Warrant for the 
Annual Parish Meeting, viz. 

Article. To knov/ if it is the desire of the Parish, that 
Mr. Codman should exchange with the ministers who compose 
the Boston association, more especially those they heard when 
\inder the Rev. Mr. Harris's charge, and tho^e who composed 
the Council at the Rev. Mr. Codman's ordination. 

Art. To know if the Society will exchange the Psalm 
Books now in use, and use Dr. Belknap's in their stead. 

Art. To know if the Society are willing the Meeting-house 
shall be opened for private Lectures^ 

Dorchetiter^ March 17 th, IS 10. 



Assessors^ Ecjyli/. 

Dorchester, March -2tith, IS 10. 

The assessors above mentioned, viewing with the deepest cor- 
■cern and regret, the increasing dissentions in the parish, so 



25 

lately cemented by a happy and honorable union, decline the 
insertion of the above articles upon their own responsibility, 
fearing they may increase the difficulties which have already 
grown inveterate, and threaten the Society with calamity and 
decline. 

If those who wish to have the articles inserted, will add their 
names as the law provides, they will receive the most respect- 
ful attention. 

Copy signed, Stephen Badlam, John Capen, jr. 

Joseph Clap, jr. 
jlssessora of the Second Parish in Dorchester* 



Gentlemen assessors of the Second Parish, 
Whereas the undersigned,being qualified Voters in said Parish, 
and being desirous to have the annexed Articles brought before 
the Parish, that they may be legally acted upon, therefore re- 
quest you to insert the same in the Warrant for the annual 
April meeting. Benj. Fuller, Thomas Crehore. 

Edw. W. Baxter, Benj. Pierce, 
Saml. Richards, Stephen Pierce, 
James Blackman, Isaac N. Field, 
Edmund Tileston, Saml. B. Lyon, 
Lewis Leach. 
Dorchester, Afiril 2, 1810. 

Art. To know if it is the desire of the Parish, that Mr, 
Codman should exchange with the ministers who compose the 
Boston association, more especially those they heard when 
under the Rev. Mr. Harris's charge, and those who composed 
the Council at the Rev. Mr. Codman's ordination. 

Art. To know if the Society will exchange the Psalm Books 
now in use, and use Dr. Belknap's in their stead. 

Art. To know if the Society are willing the Meeting-house 
shall be opened for private Lectures. 



Proceedings at the Parish Meeting. 

At a meeting of the Second Parish in Dorchester on Thursday 
the 19th day of April, Anno Domini 1810. 

4 



26 

Air. Samuel iVithington, Moderator. 

Voted 14th. Motioned to agree to the 7th article as inserted 
ill the Warrant respecting the Rev. Mr. Codman's exchanging 
with the Boston association, 8cc. the house divided on this ques- 
tion — for the motion thirty -four; against \\.ffty-two. 

15th. That the eighth article in the warrant be dismissed. 

16th. That the Meeting-house as it respects Lectures in 
future be under the control of the Rev. Mr. Codinan as usual. 
Attest Thomas Tileston, Clerk. 

Jfiril^Oth, 1810. 



Advertisement in the Columbian CentineL Au^, 1810. 

|C7»38 PEWS FOR SALE. 

For sale 38 Pews in the Rev. Mr. Codman's Meeting-house 
in Dorchester, comprising the following Numbers, viz. 2, 4, 9, 
16, ir, 18,21,23,30,31, 32,40,43,44,45,46,48,52,54,61,64,72, 
73, 74, 78, 80, 81, 84, 85, 86, 91, 98, 100, 103, 104, 107, 108, 115. 

Also for Salcy Sheds No. 2, 3, and 8. A rare chance now offers 
for purchasing the aforesaid Pews, some of which are the best 
in the Meeting-house, and were the highest apprized, and will 
now be sold very low. Any person disposed to purchase will 
please to call on Mr. M'Intosh, Sexton to said House, who will 
show the Pews and Sheds, and refer them te the owners for the 
price. 

Note. Number of the Pews and Sheds, and Names of the Owners. 

No. No. No. 

*2 Benjamin Pierce, 45 Joseph Arnold, 85 Lemuel Shepherd, 

*4 Benjamin Fuller, 46 J. Delano and E. 86 Edward Holden, 

"9 Edmund Baker, Haynes, |91 Eben. Wales the 3d 

•16 Stephen Pierce, 48 John Bussey, Gallery. 

*17 Thomas Crehore, j52 James Evereit, 98 Saml. Richards, 

fia Edward Holden, '54 Harry Smith, 100 Joseph Arnold, 
21 Lewis Leach, 61 Eben. Trescott, *10j Isaac N. Field, 

•23 Saml. Richards, 64 Henry K. Bailey, 104 Saml. Richards, 

30 Henry Gardner, f72 Tlio. T. Robinson, 107 John Nighting-ale, 

4-31 Edward Robinson, 73 R. P. Tolman, 103 Thomas Crehore, 

32 Saml. Richards, 74 Richard Hall, 115 Thomas Crehore, 

40 John Hawes, 78 Joseph Foster, Sheds. 

43 Jacob Foster & D. 80 Edmund Baker, 2 Saml. Richards, 

Withing-ton, 81 Edmund Baker, 3 Thomas Crehore, 

44 Euclid Tileston, 84 Isaac Withingion, 8 Edmund Baker. 

^Persons who afterwards applied for a Parish meeting, on the ground of tlie 
above advertiaemeut 

f Not m«mbers of the Parish, 



27 
Application for a Parish Meeting. 

To Stephen Badlam^ Esq. Mr. John Cafien^ jr, and Dea. Josefih 
Clafi. Assessors of the Second Parish in Dorchester. 

Gent. The alarming situation into which our Parish is brought, 
by the unprecedented and surprising conduct of the Rev. Mr. 
Codman, particularly in selecting gentlemen to preach in his 
puipit by way of exchange, is to us a matter of deep regret; 
and we are apprehensive that unless the Parish immediately 
take measures to change this mode of procedure, that inevitable 
ruin must soon follow. You are not insensible, gentlemen of 
the commotions which have taken place in our Parish for a con- 
sid^r.'ble time past. Thirty -eight Peivs and three Sheds have 
been advertized for sale^ and new difficulties are still arising. 

We the undersigned, therefore request you to call a Parish 
Meeting as early in October current, as may be convenient, to 
take into serious consideration the existing difficulties between 
the Rev. Mr. Codman and said second Parish; also to insert the 
following Articles in the Warrant for said Meeting, viz. 

1st. To choose « Moderator to regulate the meeting. 

2d. To know what measures the Parish will take respecting 
the exchanges made by the Rev. Mr. Codman, to the exclusion 
of the Rev. Gentlemen who compose the Boston association, of 
which he is a member. Also to raise money for any particular 
purposes if necessary; and to act generally on all matters and 
things that concern said second Parish, or any of its members, 
and the Rev. Mr. Codman. 

We subscribe ourselves, gentlemen with sentiments of re- 
spect, your humble servants. 

Benj. Pierce, Thomas Crbhore, 

Benj. Fuller, Edmund Baker, 

Stephen Pierce, Harry Smith, 
S. WiTHiNGTON, jr. Isaac N. Field, 
Saml. Richards, Henry Cox. 
Dorchester, Sept. ISth, 1810. 



Proceedings at the Parish Meeting. 

At a meeting of the Second Parish in Dorchester, on Monday 
the 8th day of October, Anno Domini 1810. 



28 

Ge7ieral Btefiheri Badlam^ Moderator. 

Voted, That the Rev. Mr. Codrnan be requested to exchange 
with the ministers who compose the Boston association of which 
he is a member, and that Stephen Badlam, Esq. Messrs. Benj. 
Pierce, Samuel Withington, Thomas Tileston, Jolm Capen, jr. 
Deacon Clap, Deacon Withington, Thomas Crehore, Benjamin 
Fuller, Edmund Baker, Isaac V/ithington, Edmund Tileston, 
and Ebenezer Trescott, be a Committee to wait on him for the 
purpose of obtaining (if possible) a definite answer, whether he 
will, or will not comply with our sincere wishes in the above 
request. *^ true Copy, 

Attest Thomas Tileston, Parish Clerk. 

Rer. John Codman. 



Report of the Committee. 

The Committee appointed by the Second Parish in Dorchester 
on the 8th day of October current, to wait on the Rev. Mr. Cod- 
man, and obtain (if possible) a definite answer whether he. 
would or would not exchange with the Rev. Gentlemen com- 
posing the Boston association, have attended that service, and 
have received the following answer: ''That he cannot pledge 
himself to exchange with any man, or any body of men what- 
ever." In behalf of the Committee, 

Thomas Tilestox, Chairman. 
Dorchester^ Oct. 15, 1810. 



Proceedings at the adjourned Meeting. 

At a Meeting of the Second Parish in Dorchester, October 22d 
':ontinued by adjournment from the 8th day of said October 
Anno Domini 1810. 

General Ste/ihen Badlam^ Moderator. 

On motion to accept the report of the committee, chosen at 
the last meeting to wait on the Rev. Mr. Codman, and obtain (if 
possible) a definite answer, whether he would or would not 
comply with the sincere wishes of the parish, in their request — • 
was decided by written Nays and Yeas. Yeas 3 J — Nays 41. 

Voted, That the Parish regret the Rev. Mr. Codman*s not 
complying with their request, by giving them a decided answer 



in the affirmative, which would in their opinion have restored 
their former peace and harmony: That they most ardently wish 
to be on terms of amity and friendship with the Rev. Gentlemen 
composing the Boston association, and the churches immedi- 
ately under their care. But, if the Rev. Mr. Codman*s princi- 
ples are such that he cannot comply with our request, which 
we conceive all important to our future peace and prosperity, 
that the connexion between him and us become extinct, — The 
Yeas and Nays being taken on the above question, there were 
Yeas 40 — Nays 35. 

Voted, That a committee be chosen to write to the ministers 
in the several towns, with whom the Rev. Mr. Codman has been 
in the habit of exchanging, requesting them not to preach in 
his pulfiit anij more^ until the difficulties which now seriously 
threaten the parish with destruction, are removed. 

N. B. The Yeas and Nays on the above were as follows: 
Yeas 34 — Nays 9. And Thomas Tileston, Thomas Crehore, 
and Benjamin Pierce were chosen a committee for the above 
purpose. On motion to reconsider the last vote, the question 
was divided by written Yeas and Nays. Nays 39 — Yeas o3. 

Copy. Attest Thomas Tileston, Parish Clerk. 

Dorchester^ Oct. 23f/, 1810. 
Rev. ?vlr. Codman. 



Letter to several Ministers, 

The following Circular Letter enclosing the vote of the Parish^ 
Avas accordingly written and transmitted to Rev. William 
Greenough, Rev. Jonathan Homer, Rev. Jedidiah Morse, D.D. 
Rev. E. D. Griffin, D. D. Rev. Jonathan Strong, Rev. Joshua 
Bates, Rev. Samuel Gile, Rev. Joshua Huntington. 

Rev. Sir, The singular mode pursued by the Rev. Mr. Cod- 
man in respect to the exchanges he has made, has been a matter 
of serious regret with almost every member of his parish. 
Why he should select gentlemen from several associations^with 
whom he is nut connected, to preach in his pulpit, to the almost 
total exclusion of the gentlemen who compose the association 
of which he is a member, and of whom the council that ordained 
him were principally composed is to us so novel, that we con- 
fess we are unable to account for it. 



30 

The people of Dorchester from time immemorial, have been 
in the habit of hearing (in turn) the members of the Boston 
association; and it will be a very difficult matter to persuade 
the second parish to relinquish that right. We therefore pre- 
sume Rev. Sir, that you Vvill comply with the above vote, and 
not take any step to convulse a parish already shaken to its 
centre. 

We subscribe ourselves. Rev. Sir, with sentiments of respect, 
your humble servants. 

Co^iy signed^ Tho. Tii.eston, Tho. Crehore. 

Benj. Pierce. Committee. 

Dorchester, ^ov. 7th, 1810. 



Address to the Rev. Mr. Codman from several Gen- 
tlemen in his Parish, 

Dorchester, Oct, 23, 1810. 
To the Rev. Mr. John Codman, 
Dear Sir, The proceedings of a majority of the second parish in 
Dorchester, at a late parish meeting, the subscribers consider 
unprecedented, and not calculated to settle the controversy which 
occasioned the meeting, or produce any legal or salutary effect; 
and regret extremely that occasions so soon occur for the exer- 
cise of patience, forbearance, and condescension; and that a root 
of bitterness has sprung up to trouble us in the early period of 
your ministry. Animosity and party spirit degrades the char- 
acter anci vitiates the morals of a people, and prostitutes the 
most permanent institutions, which are formed to promote that 
religion which improves our natures, corrects our errors, regu- 
lates our lives, and fits us for a more important and glorious 
state of existence; and we feel deeply concerned for the honor, 
peace, and safety of our religious society, so lately formed and 
bound together by the ties of friendship, and the contract almost 
unanimously made with you to be oar pastor. But we hope the 
things which belong to our peace, will not be hid from our eyes; 
and that a spirit of conciliation will be restored; and that we may 
again know how good and pleasant it is for brethrew to live to- 
gether in unity; though there may be a diversity of opinions 
respecting the measures which are best calculated to promote 
so desirable an object. If schisms and contentions now succeed 
to the peace and harmony which has prevailed, and are not 



31 

speedily checked, many years may roll away before the cloud 
which hangs over our heads shall be dissipated, and many of us 
may spend the remainder of our days in contention with our 
neighbors, relations, and most intimate connexions, and descend 
to the grave unlamented, and mingle with the dust of our oppo- 
nents. Nearly all your parishioners appear satisfied with your 
performances, and acknowledge you have conformed to the 
doctrines and principles held out to us in your communication, 
previous to your ordination; and the foundation of the difficulties 
professedly is, your declining to exchange ministerial labors 
with the association of ministers to which you belong. And you 
know by the frequent applications and individual requests of 
many of the subscribers, that we should be very happy to see all 
gratified in that respect, as far as circumstances and a difference 
of theological sentiments would permit. But, the right being 
vested in you by the custom of ages, to decide in respect to 
exchanges, and as many difficulties may exist which are un- 
known, or not understood by us, and are not under your control, 
but depend in a great degree on the opinion and convenience of 
other ministers and their people, such gratifications cannot be 
demanded as our right without an invasion of the right of 
©thers, which we hope our brethren in the majority will take 
into their serious consideration, and will see that their reason- 
able request, as it is termed, by their subsequent proceedings 
has grown up into a most positive demand; and, as we have 
all the same interest to promote, and reconciliation is very de- 
sirable, we hope that we shall not, on either side, be governed 
by our feelings, but by our judgment, — ^not by our prejudices, 
but by our reason, and that we may not be influenced by the cal- 
umny, threats, or fear of man, but by a regard for justice, and 
by the love of God and our neighbor. 

Your happiness and success in the work of the ministry, is 
materially affected and embarked with us in the result of these 
unhappy disputes, and we cannot doubt but you will co- 
operate with us in all proper measures for removing them; and 
we devoutly look to the Father of Lights and God of all grace, 
for wisdom to direct us, and so to dispose of all events, that we 
may be effectually secured from the evils which threaten us, 
and to build us up in the true faith and hope of the gospel, and 
to give us an inheritance among those who are sanctified, 
through the merits of our glorious Redeemer. 
Signed by Benj. Hichborn, Saml. Withivgtqn, Joseph Clap. 
and Seventy others. 



32 



Address to Rev, Mr.Codman from several Ladies in 
his Parish. 

Dorchester, Oct. 26, 1810. 
Rev. John Codman^ 

Beloved Pastor, We, the female part of your congregation, 
viewing with deep concern the dissentions and animosities that 
have arisen among the people of your charge, do with diffidence 
address you at this critical moment. Although it is not our prov- 
ince to take an active and effective part in this melancholy con- 
test, and likewise considering ourselves rightly styled "the 
weaker vessels:" yet we would gladly offer you our feeble con- 
solation and support. 

We, beloved Sir, when you were settled as our pastor, echoed 
the voice of joy that proceeded from our husbands, fathers, 
brothers, and friends; and although we could not become public 
advocates for your settlement,the eye of approbation disclosed the 
happiness of the heart. The power of sympathy has never been 
deniedus; the virtue of sincerity m'c hope is not withheld. With 
affectionate sympathy and Christian sincerity, we beseech you 
to bear up against the host of troubles that beset you, and like a 
good soldier of Christ, having on the whole armor of the gospel, 
we hope you will light manfully, and come off conqueror, and 
more than conqueror, in this important conflict. 

You have this consolation and our hearts gratefully bear wit- 
ness to the truth, — that your preaching has not been in vain, 
but, that by a blessing attending your faithful and affectionate 
administration of the word, many of us have been awakened, 
comforted, animated, and strengthened. 

Go on, beloved Sir, receive our most ardent prayers and best 
wishes for your peace and usefulness in this part of Zion; and 
may it please the great Master of the vineyard to grant, that we 
may be additional seals of your ministry, and crowuis of rejoicing 
at the great day of account. 

With religious sentiments of attachment and respect we sub- 
scribe ourselves, your friends and parishioners. 
Signed by Hanxah Hiciiborn, Lucy Withington, Abigail 
Clap, and One Hundred and Seventy-eight others. 



33 



Rev, Mr. Codmaii's Answer to the Addresses. 

Extracts from a Sermon preached on the \universary of Mr, Codman's Ordina- 
tion. Bee. 7, 1819. 

"I TAKE this public opportunity to return my most sincere and 
unfei.q;ned thanks to those members of ray congre^^ition, who 
have recently addressed me on che unhappy state of the Parish. 

In answer to the address signed by seventy-three of my 
parishioners, "disapproving of the late proceedings as unprece- 
dented, and not calculated to settle the controversy," allow rae 
say, that I feel gratified by their assurances of support in this 
trying crisis, and that I feel "my happiness and usefulness ma- 
terially affected and embarked with them in the result of these 
unhappy disputes," and that I shall do all in my power "to co-ope- 
rate with them in all proper measures for removing them." I 
unite with them "in devoutly looking to the Father of lights and 
God of grace, for wisdom to direct us, and so to dispose of all 
events, that we may be effectually secured from the evils which 
threaten us; and to build us up in the true faith and hope of the 
gospel; and to give us an inheritance among those who are sanc- 
tified through the merits of our glorious Redeemer." 

To the female part of my congrega.tion, who have taken such 
a deep and lively interest in the distressing trials to which I 
have been called, allow me to return my most grateful acknowl- 
edgments for their affectionate and animated address. 

"Although it is not your province to take an active and effec- 
tive part in this melancholy contest," your approbation and regard 
is a great support to your minister under all his trials. 

I thank you for your sympathy in my afflictions, and for your 
prayers that "I may bear up under the host of troubles that beset 
me, and like a good soldier of Christ may fight manfully, and 
come off conqueror, and more than conqueror in this important 
conflict" 

I desire to praise God if my ministry has been in any degree 
blessed to you. I thank you for your prayers that I may be use- 
ful in this part of Zion, and may God grant that you may be "the 
seals of my ministry, and crowns of rejoicing in the great day of 
account." 



S4 



PETITION 

To the Honorable Senate and House of Refiresentatives of the 
Coimnonwcalth of Massachusetts.) in General Court asse?nbled: 
The Petition of the Subscribers, Inhabitants of the Towns of 
Dorchester and Roxbury, Humbly sheweth, That when the 
second parish in Dorchester was incorporated, such persons 
only as signified their desire in writint^ to join the same within 
one year were permitted, and as there was no minister of the 
gospel settled within that time, the subscrii)ers who belong to 
said Dorchester omitted so to do, though most of them live 
near to the Meeting-house in said second parish, in which like- 
wise they can be accommodated with pews and seats, and at 
which place they generally attend public worship, but are now 
precluded from so doing, unless they have the sanction of the leg- 
islature; which sanction your petitioners hope to obtain; other- 
wise they will be deprived in some degree of the privileges so 
wisely secured by the constitution of the commonweitlth. And 
as some of the members in each parish in said Dorchester, have 
a desire to change their relations and become members of the 
other parish in said town, and can be accommodated without 
any inconvenience to each other, by the legislature's giving lib- 
erty to the inhabitants in each parish to change their relations, 
and connect themselves with the other, under proper regulations 
^nd restrictions at their election; 

Your petitioners therefore pray, that provision may be made 
by law for a general accommodation in that respect in future, 
if the legislature should think proper; or, that the subscribers 
who belong to the first parisli in Dorchester v^ith their families 
and estates may be connected with the second parish in said 
town; and those of your petitioners who belong to the town of 
Roxbury, as they live near the Meeting-house in said second par- 
ish in Dorchester, and attend public worship therein; therefore 
they pray, that fey with their families and estates may be set 
off from the parishes to which they belong in Roxbury and be 
finnexed to the south parish in Dorchester. 

Joseph Vv''. Withington, Edward Foster, 
John Tolman, Stephen Tolman, 

William Vose, Thomas Leeds, 

Samuel Tolman, John Lemist, 

James Clap, Ebenezer Dorr, 

Phinehas Tolman, Josiah Foster. 

I)orcAestery Jan. 19//z, 1811. 



35 



COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. 

In Senate, Feb, ^th^ 1811. 

On the Petition aforesaid, Ordered, that the Petitioners causd 
an attested Copy of their Petition, and the names of the Petition- 
ers with this Order thereon, to be served on the Clerks of the 
first and second Parishes in Dorchester, and the town Clerk of 
Roxbury, thirty days, at least, before the second Wednesday of 
the first session of the next General Court, that all persons 
interested may then appear, and shew cause (if any they have) 
why the prayer of said Petition should not be granted. 
Sent down for concurrence. 

H. G. Otisj President, 

Feb. 9th, 1811. 

In the House of Representatives, read and concurred, 

Joseph Story, Sfieaker. 
A true Copy. Attest^ N. Coffin, Clerk of the Senate^ 

The first parish inDorchester chose a Committee of three to op* 
pose the preceding petition, who appeared before the committee 
of the General Court, but the law, passed at the same session of 
the General Court, respecting public worship and religious free- 
dom, was supposed to supersede the necessity of granting the 
prayer of the petition, and it was therefore i-eferred to the next 
session of the General Court, by consent of the petitioners. 



Advertisement in the Centinet and Chronich. 
Dec. 1, 1810. 

ICrSIXTY NINE PEWS FOR SALE. 

For Sale in the Rev. Mr. Codman's meeting house, in Dor- 
chester, Sixty nine Pews, together with all the right, title, and 
interest the proprietors of the above pews have in the Rev. Mr. 
Codman. 

jY. B, If the above are not sold at private sale, they will 
be exposed at public auction. Inquire of Mr. Mc Intosh^ the 
Sexton. 



a6 

xidvertisement in the Chronicle, 

A CORRESPONDENT liopcs foi' the honor of our country, that the 
advertisement offering for sale a number of pews in one of the 
meeting houses in Dorchester, will nol be repeated, unless it is 
stripped of its indecent and illiberal reflections on the character 
of the Rev. Mr. Codman. Although the writer of this, has nei- 
ther a personal acquaintance with the Reverend gentleman, nor 
subscribes to his religious tenets; yet he maintains that he is 
justly esteemed by the virtuous and good, for the purity and the 
sincerity of his life and conversation; and that expressions sim- 
ilar to those held up in the advertisement alluded to, have a 
tendency to prostrate all religion, and to introduce levity and 
anarchy in our churches. A. MAYHEWITE. 



Rev. Mr. Bates's Letter., in anstver to a Letter from 
the Parish Committee. 

Dedham, Dec 11, 1810. 
T'o Messrs. Thomas Tilestgn^ and Benjamm Pierce^ Committee 
of the second parish in Dorchester. 

Gentlemen, I take the first opportunity to answer a letter, 
which this morning came to hand; in which you, as a com- 
mittee of the second parish in Dorchester, communicate a 
vote of said parish, and apply it to mc. As you have become 
voluntary agents in this business, you will suffer me through 
you to make the following reply; requesting you to embrace 
the earliest suitable occasion to communicate it. 

To the Second Parish in Dorchester. 
Men and Brethren, I this morning received a letter from 
Messrs. Thomas Tileston, and Benjamin Pierce, as your com- 
mittee, containing a coj^y of a vote, purporting to have been 
passed by you in a parish mecling, October 20d, 1810, relative 
to ministers, with whom the Rev. Mr. Codman had been in the 
habit of exchanging, with an additional request from the com- 
mittee, that I would in future govern myself according to said 
vote. If you designed this vote to be applied to mc, or gave 
your committee direction thus to apply it, you will permit me, 
by way of reply, to say in the spirit of meekness, that I have a 
vigbt to coniphiiu cf this unchristian and uncivil treatmciit. I 



37 

feel myself injured and aggrieved by this singular vote, com- 
municated in this singular manner. What have I said or done 
to deserve this public denunciation; or rather to provoke this 
unkind censure? For which of my evil deeds am I accused by 
you? Have 1 preached to you fiilse doctrine? Have I been 
among you in an irregular, and improper manner, contrary to 
the order of the Gospel, and the regulations of the congre- 
gational churches? Have I crept into your houses, to foment 
divisions and lead you astray? Have I at the call of those, who 
have itching ears, preached in your school houses or taverns? 
Have I without the consentof your minister performed any min- 
isterial act within the limits of your parish, to gratify mal-con- 
tents, and encourage a spirit of disorganization? Have I in 
my ministerial conduct towards you in any respect violated the 
precepts of the Gospel, the rules of our Church platform, or the 
votes and regulations of the Massachusetts convention of con- 
gregational ministers? 

While you were destitute of a minister, I preached a fevv 
limes in your meeting house on exchange with candidates, 
whom you employed; and once by particular request and with 
some inconvenience to myself I adnunistered there the ordi- 
nance of the Lord's Supper. 

With Mr. Codman, since his ordination, I have exchanged, 
I believe, three limes. I have preached for him and by his re- 
quest two or three lectures; this as far as ray memory serves me 
(for I do not think it necessary to search my diary for numbers 
and dates) is a correct history of my oiTicial intercourse with 
you. Why then am I thus censured and proscribed by you? 
Let me repeat the question, and let m^ address i' to your con- 
sciences; What have I said or done to deserve this public cen- 
sure from you? 

I certainly have a right to call upon you for an answer to this 
inquiry. I have a right to call upon you, and do hereby call 
upon you, and solemnly urge you by every principle of justice, 
and even com.mon civility, either to reconsider the vote, which 
by your committee you have applied to me, or to substantiate 
the implied charge against my ministerial character. 

However, be it knov/n unto you this day, v/hatever courses 
you may choose to pursue, that I cannot conscientiously, and 
shall not voluntarily submit to your unauthorized and unexam- 
pled command. Our cor.irnission as ministers of Jesus Christ, 
requires u^to "preach the Gospel to every creature." To dc- 



38 

clare wherever and whenever we have opportunity, what we 
have seen and learned of the kingdom of heaven, whether men 
will hear or whether they will forbear. Now "whether it be 
right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto 
God, judge ye." 

Such is the state of my health, that I may not be able to ex- 
change pulpits this winter, perhaps never. But I could not 
receive your censorious letter in silence; I could not neglect to 
bear testimony against such irregular and unprecedented pro- 
ceedings in a Christian land. 

I have yet to subjoin the particular reasons, all of which 
are virtually included in the ove stated above, why I 
cannot comply with your request. First then, 1 cannot comply 
with it, because such compliance would sanction irregular pro* 
ceedings. Parishes in our country are legal, not ecclesiastical, 
divisions. The vote of a parish therefore can avail nothing in 
ecclesiastical matters. This is indeed a regulation of the very 
first importance, since from such a vote we can never learn, 
who made the request contained in it. They may be men of 
sober lives and con-versation; they vt\2iy he professors of religion; 
they may be real^ exfierimental Christians, Or they may be 
men of intemfierate lives^ and firofane conversation; men devot- 
ed to vain amusements and worldly pleasures; unprincipled 
scoffrrs^ thoughtless universalists, or even open infidels. What 
confidence, therefore, can be placed in the votes of parishes; 
which may be, and probably for the most part are composed of 
all these classes of men? With regard to the second parish in 
Dorchester, I can sincerely say, that I believe that there are in it 
many real Christians. I am personally acquainted with several, 
who afford abundant evidence for such belief. But whether 
any of these, or any, who have even m.ade a Christian profes- 
sion, were concerned in the passage of the vote, communicated, 
the vote does not prove, nor do I know. 

This vote, therefore, can by no means be considered, as an ec- 
clesiastical act, or a rule for ministerial conduct; nor can it be 
regarded by a coiieregational minister without sanctioning ir- 
regularity. 

Secondly^ I cannot comply Vyilh your request; because such 
a compliarxe would be taking a part in your parochial contro- 
versy. It is well known that there are divisions among you. 
If, therefore, at the request of one party I should in future refuse^ 
^o exchange \vith your minister, would not the other party say, 



and with truth, that, by this change of conduct, I had condemned 
them without a hearing? This leads me to observe. 

Thirdly, That I cannot comply with your request, because 
I should thus publicly denounce a brother in the ministry; a 
brother, whom I love and esteem, as a faithful minister of Jesus 
Christ. By thus declaring my esteem for Mr. Codman, I do not 
mean to interfere in your controversy with him: nor express 
an opinion on the policy or impolicy of his mode of exchanging. 
But, till he is judged and condemned by some regular ecclesias- 
tical council, by the Church with which he is connected, or some 
other proper tribunal, till he is thus regularly judged and con- 
demned either of error in doctrine, or immorality in practice, of 
^'•bringing in damnable heresies,'* or '^holding the truth in unright- 
eousness,'* and, while I have reason to believe, on the contrary, 
that he is a faithful minister I cannot, by a voluntary compli- 
ance with your request, publicly denounce him. 

Finally, I cannot comply with your request; because I do not 
believe, that such a compliance would have the least tendency 
to promote your lasting peace and happiness. 

Nor do I apprehend that a steady course in the plain path of 
my duty will increase your difficuitie^s, or (to use the language 
of your committee,) ^'convulse a Parish already shaken to its 
centre." For these reasons I cannot comply with your request. 
It is therefore my determination, by permission of Providence, 
to continue my usual friendly intercourse with your minister, to 
exchange with him vv^hen mutual convenience requires, and to 
conduct towards him in all respects, as I should have done, if 
this irregular interdiction had never been made. 

Although this letter is addressed to the second parish in Dor- 
chester, justice requires me to add, that I do not consider the 
great body of the people in that parish concerned in the per- 
sonal injury, which I have received, and of which I here com- 
plain. I do not believe, that half those, who in the hurry of a 
confused meeting, were influenced to give their vote in favor of 
this measure, really considered the purport of the vote, 
or intended personal abuse. I will even hope, that the 
individual or individuals, who previously prepared the vote, 
have before this time received a reproof from their own con- 
sciences, and that they are now ready to acknowledge their 
fault, 



40 

Men cmd Brethren^ Permit me in the close of this long epis- 
tle, to wish you peace and prosperity; and be assured, that I 
jjhall do every thing in my power to promote your real peace 
and sfiiritual prosperity. 

With this solemn assurance I subscribe myself your humble 
servant, and the servant of all men for Jesus's sake. 

Joshua Bates. 
Messrs, Thomas Tileston^ aiid Benjamin Pierce^ 
To be communicated, 

P, S. There is another reason, which did not occur to my 
mind, when writing the above, against complying with your re- 
quest; that is, that I should thus cruelly deprive the people of 
my particular charge of the occasional labors of Mr. Codman, 
whose preaching with us has been peculiarly pleasing, and I 
hope profitable, 

N, B. Tiie above letter was never communicated to the Parislu 



Rev. Dr. 3Iorse''s Letter in answer to a Letter from 
the Parish Committee. 

Charlestown, April 12th, 1811. 

Messrs. Thomas Tileston., Thomas Crehore^ and Bevjamin Pierce, 
Comirdctee of the second Parish in Dorchester^ 

Gentlemen, I received shortly after date your official letter of 
the rih of November last, to which was prefixed an attested 
copy of a vote of the second Parish in Dorchester, passed on 
the 22d of October preceding. By this vote it appears, that 
you, gentlemen, were cliosen a committee "to write to the min- 
isters in the several towns, with whom the Rev. Mr. Codman 
has been in the habit of exchanging, requesting them not to 
preach in his pulpit any more, until the difficulties, which now 
seriously threaten the Parish with destruction, are removed." 

This vote, gentlemen, is of so extraordinary and unprece- 
dented a nature, that I have really been at a loss to know how 
to notice it, or in what manner to conduct in reference to the 
very singular request which it contains. 

These considerations, gentlemen, and not any disregard to the 
respectable Parish whom you represent, be assured, constitute 
tiie sole reason why I have delayed answering your letter to 
this late period. 



41 

When the nature of your request is ccolly and deliberately 
considered, I cannot but think you will at once perceive its im^ 
propriety, inconsistency, and direct tendency to excite divisions, 
and to subvert all ecclesiastical order. There is no charge af 
offence given to the parish on my part; on the contrary, you 
profess to entertain "sentiments of respect" for me. There is 
no pretence that your minister is not in regular and good stand- 
ing among his brethren, or that there would be any objection 
in your minds to his exchanging with the ministers of his ovrn 
association, if he were so disposed. On the contrary, the ground 
of your complaint against him is, that he does not more freely 
and frequently make exchanges with them; which implies your 
belief that he is in good standing among his brethren. 

In accordance with the uniform opinion of all christian com- 
munities, you recognize in your vote Mr. Codman's right to the 
fiuljiit; you very properly call it ''Hus pulpit;" you will therefore 
readily perceive that it is an infringement of his acknowledged 
right to say he shall not do what he pleases with his own! 

Besides, since I was a member of the council, who ordained 
IMr. Codman, and belong also to the same association with him, 
there is an obvious inconsistency in requesting me wot to preach 
in his pulpit, merely because, in his exchanges, he selects mem- 
bers of other associations in preference to those of his own. If, 
as it seems, it would be most agreeable to you for your min- 
ister to exchange with the ministers of his own association 
in preference to those of others, one would naturally suppose, 
that, so far as he should introduce members of his own associu' 
tion into his pulpit, his conduct would meet your approbation 

It would seem reasonable to expect, that if a man should do 
a part of his duty, though he might not, in our opinion, do the 
whole, he should be approved in that part which he does fulfil} 
at least he has a right to expect not to be obstructed in doing 
that part which he is willing to perform. 

As it is not my practice to make exchanges at a distance, in 
the winter, (and I have made but one, with Dr. Holmes, since I 
received your letter) I have had no occasion, were I so disposed, 
to contravene your wishes in respect to preaching in Mr. Cod- 
man's pulpit. It would therefore be incorrect in you, gentle- 
men, to infer from this circumstance of delay, that the right of 
Mr. Codman to ijivite whom he pleases "into his pulpit," is yield- 
ed to his parish. Nothing of this kind is intended eitjier by Mr, 




42 

Codman or myself. In conformity to the usages of the church- 
es, from time immemorial, he maintains the right of inviting 
whom he pleases into hh pulpit, and those whom h'fe may invite 
of accepting or declining his invitation. All things, however, 
which are lawful^ are not exfiedient. We may easily conceive 
of a state of things, in which it might be prudent to suspend the 
exercise of a right for a season, when an attempt to exercise it, 
miight, through unreasonable o/ifiosition^ hazard the peace of a 
society, the sacredness of religious worship, and occasion a 
profanation of the Sabbath. I would not, Gentlemen, willingly, 
be even the innocent cause of evil; I would in all cases wave 
the exercise of a right, if by so doing, it would promote the 
peace and welfare of the Christian Church. It would be un- 
pleasant, however, to constrain your pastor and his friends, to 
whom you have transmitted your vote, to maintain a right, which 
they may not feel it their duty to relinquish, in a way which 
may be painful to them and you. 

I will hope therefore. Gentlemen, that that portion of the 
second parish in Dorchester, who have been instrumental, by 
the vote above recited, in obstructing the exercise of the minis- 
terial rights of their pastor and his friends, tvhofeel it their dutij 
to give him their cordial sufifiort^ will, on cool reflection, recon- 
sider their vote, and thus leave their pastor and his surrounding 
lirethren to the free and peaceable enjoyment of their acknowl- 
edged rights. 

With very sincere wishes for the peace and prosperity of the 
parish, you represent, I am. Gentlemen, with sentiments of es- 
teem, your obedient and humble servant, 

Jedidiah Morse 
N. B. The above letter was never communicated to the parish 



Address to the Rev. Mr, Codman, from several Gen- 
tlemen in his Parish, 

Dorchester, April 22d, 1811, 

To the Rev. Mr. John Codman. 

Dear Sir, On the 22d of October last, some of the subscribers 

took the liberty to address you, on the painful subject of the dis- 

Sentious in your parish, and pointed out some of the distressing 



43 

consequences of such a state of things; in hopes that those, who 
fomented these dissentions, would see their evil tendency, and 
change their measures for those which promote peace; but our 
hofies were vain. Our endeavors to restore tranquillity have been 
taken for timidity, and opposition took courage and became 
more violent. We have viewed, with deep concern and regret, 
(and with sympathy for yourself,) the evils which have sprung 
up and increased among us, to the disturbance of our peace, and, 
which we fear, are intended to dissolve the pastoral connexion 
which subsists between us. 

Though some may differ from you respecting the expediency 
of certain measures which have been adopted, yet, none will 
pretend that you have neglected your duty, violated your con- 
tract, or are unable to fulfil the sacred obligations of your 
pastoral office, as far as might reasonably be expected. We 
are free to declare that we see nothing to justify the origin or 
C07itinuance of the existing evils. 

As it has been, so it still is, our earnest desire, (and we doubt 
not it is yours also.) that the divisions may be healed in a way- 
adapted to promote the best interest of our Christian society. 
But we cannot believe your removal from us would produce 
this eflect; we hope therefore, you will not think of taking such a 
ste^i. 

Though others are engaged in spreading contention far 
and wide, let it be our aim to follow those things which make 
for peace, and always to be ready to meet our brethren on any 
reasonable* and christian terms of conciliation; and pray for 
divine Wisdom to direct us. 

While we make our fervent supplications to Heaven, for 
your comfort and direction under all your trials, you will rest 
assured of our esteem and affection, and of our determination to 
sufifiort you as our fiastor^ so long as you continue to sustain your 
present character as a mi7iister of the gosjiel^ and give no other 
occasion of complaint than that which is alleged against you by 
fhoscj who now wish to dissolve the compact, so recently, solemnly, 
and unanimously made between you and the people of you 
charge. 

Whatever differences may exist in this imperfect state, let it 
be our prayer and zealous endeavor, that we be enabled, so to 
turn them to our spiritual improvement, as that we may all 
finally be united in the Church of the first-born in heaven. 



With time respect and chrisiian regards, we are your friends 

and humble servants. 

Signed by Benj. Hitchbosn, Stei^en Badlam, James Baker, 

and ffty -four others. 



Proceedings at a Parish Meeting. 

At a legal Meeting of the Second Parish in Dorchester, ott 
Monday the 24th day of June, Anno Domini 181 1. 
Mr. Samuel Withiiigton^ JModeratcr. 

Whereas a majority of the second Parish of the town of Dor- 
chester, feel aggrieved at some of the conduct and proceedings 
of their pastor, the Rev. Mr. Codman, and whereas the continu- 
ance of controversies and complaints between a people and 
minister is injurious and disgraceful to the cause of virtue, and 
the pure and peaceful religion of the gospel, and also destruc- 
tive to the peace and happiness of civil society. And, whereas 
in church and parochial, as well as in civil and state afftdrs and 
controversies, men and christians ought not to be judges of 
the justice of their own claims and complaints, but ought at 
all times, to be willing to submit their cause to the decision of 
a constitutional and impartial tribunal; therefore, 

Vot«^d, that Thomas Tileston, Thomas Crehore, Isaac With- 
ington, Ebenezer Daggett, Edward W. Baxter, Benjamin Fuller, 
Ebenezer Trescott, Isaac N. Field, and Samuel B. Lyon be a 
committee to confer with the Rev. Mr. Codman, and request that 
a separation take place between him and the society, over which 
he presides; but should he not comply with the request, to pro- 
pose to him to join in calling a mutual ecclesiastical council, 
(to be impartially chosen) to hear and determine on all matters 
of controversy existing between him and said society; and in 
case of his not acceding to either cf the above propositions, 
then, the committee are directed to proceed immediately to the 
choice of an exparte council, and prepare and lay before the 
same such articles of charge, or cause of con^plaint, as in their 
©pinion may be thought expedient. ^ t7-ue Copy. 

Attest^ Thomas Tileston, Paruh Clerk. 

Dorchester^ June 26M, 1811. 



45 



Letter from Thomas Tilesfon, Esq. to Rev, Mr. 
Codman. 

Dorchester, June 26, 1811. 

Rev. Sir, I herewith enclose you a copy of the vote passed at 
the parish meeting on the 24th instant, on the unhappy differ- 
ences existinc^ between them and their pastor. As it is import- 
ant both to minister and people that a speedy settlement should 
be made of all matters in dispute, and which have for a long time 
agitated the parish; I must therefore request you Sir, (in behalf 
of the committee chosen for the purpose,) as soon as you have 
given the subject due consideration, to inform us at what place 
and when you will meet us, and enter on a discussion of this 
very important subject. I subscribe myself. Rev. Sir, with due 
respect yours, Sec. Thomas Tileston, Chair. Com. 

Rev. Mr. Codman. 



Proceedings at a Meeting of the Rev. Mr. Codman^s 

Friends, 

At a meeting of a number of the friends of Mr. Codman, on 
the evening of the 27th instant. 

Voted, To choose a Moderator to regulate the meeting. 
Benjavnn Parsons^, Esq. iias chosen. 

2d. Voted, To choose a Clerk. Samuel Tofiliff was chosen. 

3d. Voted, To request the Rev. Mr. Codman not to accede 
to the Jirst request -voted at a late parish meetini^. 

4th. Voted, To choose a committee of nine persons to com- 
municate to the Rev. Mr. Codman the sense of this meeting, 
a^nd to render him all the assistance, by way of advice or other- 
wise, he may want, in what has already taken place, or may take 
place between him and any part of hisparish,and to be considered, 
through the whole business, as acting for, and representing all 
his friends in his parish, and doing, in all matters that may con- 
cern them jointly, as they, in their discretion, may think proper. 

The following gentlemen were chosen on this committee, 
viz. General Stephen Badlam, Benjamin Hitchborn, Esq. Dea. 
Ei)enezer Withington, Dea. Joseph Clap, Mr. John Capen, jr. 
Mr. Joseph Clap, Capt- Lemuel Foster, Dr. James Baker, Mr, 
Samuel Topliff. ji true Cofiy of the Proceedings. 

Attest^ Saml. ToPLiFFj Clerk oj the Meeting. 



46 

Voted in committee, That the Clerk communicate the above 
Votes to the Pv.ev. Mr. Codman, in behalf of the commiLtce. 
Dorchester, June 2d>th^ 1811. 



Letter from Rev. Mr. Codman to Tho, Tlleston, Esq. 

Dorchester, June 28th, 1811. 

Dear Sir, Having been absent from home several days, I did 
not receive your note, enclosing a copy of the votes passed at a 
late parish meeting, until late this evening. 

I need not assure you, the committee, or the parish, that I 
sincerely lament the unhappy disputes and divisions which 
exist in our religio\is society, and that I am ready to do every 
thing in my power, consistent with the dictates of my conscience, 
to procure a speedy and amicable settlement, and to restore 
peace and tranquillity. 

I shall not be able to attend to this subject until the latter 
part of next week, or the week after, as my time will be occu- 
pied, in the beginning of the week, by two or three public ser- 
vices, to which I must necessarily attend. Any time, after the 
4th of July, I shall be ready to receive any communications the 
committee may think proper to make. As I perceive, by the 
votes of the parish, the committee are authorized to make sev- 
eral specific propositions to me, it is my wish that they may be 
made in writings and, that this mode may be observed in all the 
communications between the committee and myself, on a 
subject so important both to minister and people. 

I am. Sir, with due respect, your friend and pastor, 

Copy, John Codnak- 



Thomas Tilcston. Esq. to Eev. Mr. Codman. 

Dorchester, July 8th, 181 L 

Rev. Sir, Your note of the 28th of June ult. has been duly re- 
ceived, by which it appears to be your wish that all communi- 
cations between yourself and the parish committee upon the 
interestiBg subject in dispute, should be made in writing. 



47 

The committee would have no objection in proceeding agree- 
ably to your wish, were they not apprehensive that it would be 
attended with great difficulty on their part, and also lead to a 
procrastination of the adjustment of existing difficulties, which 
the parish and their committee so ardently wish may be brought 
to a speedy issue. 

We are therefore of opinion Rev. Sir, that a personal interview- 
will be preferable to the mode you suggest, as a better explana- 
tion can be had of the several points in dispute^ than can be 
made in writing. 

We therefore hope you will cheerfully join us in conducting 
this business as we propose, and inform us when and where it 
will be most agreeable for you to meet us. 1 am, Rev. Sir, in 
behalf of the committee, yours respectfully. 

Thomas Tileston. Chairman. 
Rev, Mr. Codman. 
Co^iy. 



Rev, Mr. Codman to Thomas Tilesfon, Esq, 

Dorchester, July 9th, ISll, 

Dear Sir, I received your note of yesterday, and am sorry to 
find that any difference of opinion should exist between the 
committee and myself relative to the mode of com.munication 
It surely cannot be considered an unreasonable request on 
ray part, that business of such vast importance to my personal 
feelings and future happiness, should be transacted in writing. 
I must therefore repeat my desire, that this method of commu- 
nication, as far as is practicable, may be adopted between the 
committee and myself. At the same time I beg leave to assure 
you and the committee, that I will endeavor, by a prompt attention 
to their communications, to save them as much time and trouble 
as possible. I am. Sir, with due respect, your friend and pastor. 
Co/iy. John Codmax- 



Thomas Tileston, Esq. to Rev. Mr. Codman. 

DorchesW;r, July 10th, ISII. 
Rev. Sir, Your note of yesterday, I received this morning. My 
business is such this day, that I cannot attend on seeinp- thr 



4S 

committee. But Sir, as soon as they can be convened, I will 

inform you ©f their result. I am, Rev. Sir, yours, Sec. 

Thomas Tileston. 
Rev. Mr, John Codman. 



Thomas Tileston^ Esq. io Rev. Mr. Codman. 

Dorchestei-, July 12tli, 1811. 

Rev. Sir, I sent you a note on the 10th instant, acknowledging 
the receipt of yours the day before, in v/hich I informed you 
that I would convene the committee as early as possible, and 
let you know their result. 

They accordingly met last evening, and as you appear to be 
so desirous, that the communications between yourself and the 
committee, should be made in writing as far as practicable, have 
requested me to inform you. Sir, that they so far agree to your 
request, as to commence the negociation in that way; and are 
willing so to continue, unless circumstances (in their opinion) 
render it necessary to adopt the mode which they have repeat- 
edly suggested to you. 

You are therefore, Rev. Sir, requested to answer the first 
section of the vote, passed at the parish meeting, June 24th, 
3 811, now in your possession. I am, Rev. Sir, in behalf of the 
committee, yours respectfully Thomas Tilestox. 



Rev. Mr. Codman to Thomas T'desion, Esq. 

Uoj-cliester, Julj 15th, 1811. 

Dear Sir, Your note of the 12ih instant, politely agreeing that 
the communication should be in writing, and requesting an an- 
swer to the first section of the vote passed at the parish meet- 
ing, June 24th, 1811, v/as received on Friday afternoon, but 
owing to my necessary preparations for the Sabbath, I have not 
been able to return an answer, till this morning. 

Presuming that you mean to request that a separation may 
take place betv^^een me and the people over whom I was ordain- 



4Q 

«d, I shall take the subject into the most serious considefatioiij 
and devoutly seek Divine aid and direction, being fully sensible 
that "the continuance of complaints of a people against their 
minister, is injurious and disgraceful to the cause of virtue, and 
the pure and peaceful religion of the gospel; and also destruc* 
tive to the peace and happiness of civil society." 

Anxious to prevent future difficulties^ and particularly those 
very difficulties which have unhappily arisen, I gave the church 
and society a full and particular statement of my views and be- 
lief respecting the doctrines of the gospel, previous to my ac- 
ceptance of their call to be their minister;* and the answer I 
received,! led me to suppose that the articles of belief were 
agreeable to my people; and I entertained the fond expectation, 
that I should never afterwards experience any difficulty on ac 
count of my sentiments in religion^ or on account of any line of 
conduct^ which I conceived to be consistent ivith those sentiments. 
But, in this expectation, I have been disappointed. 

It has given me pain to see an opposition excited by some of 
my parishioners, who not only differ from me in religious senti- 
timents^ but some of whom openly profess a syste?}i entirely 
opposite to the one upon ivhich I tvas settled. 

With regard to their sentiments I have nothing to say; tJiey 
surely have the same right to the enjoyment of them as /, and 
those who think with we, have to the enjoyment of ours: and I 
should be the last person on earth to disturb them in the exer- 
cise of this right. 

Blessed be God we yet live in a land of religious, as well as 
civil liberty; and under a government, which appears to be dis- 
posed to regard and secure the rights of conscience. But may 
I not ask, gentlemen of the committee, whether, if you had a 
minister, fairly and honorably settled on the ground^ of senti- 
ments, perfectly congenial to yours, you would not consider it 
manifestly unkind, unreasonable, and ungenerous in those of a 
different persuasion to attempt to remove him? 

I can call God to witness, that, since I have been your minister, 
I have endeavored to act up to my engagements, and to preserve, 
as irreproachable as possible, my ministerial and moral charac- 
ter: I know not in what respect I have deviated from the con- 
tract that subsists between us; or of what crimes and misde- 
meanors I have been guilty, tliat should warrant such a spirit of 
opposition and persecution as has been manifested against me, 
and render it necessary tliat I shouicj be separated from a people 

7 

• See page 11. t See page 14, 



50 

over whom I have been solemnly set apart in the Lord, with 
whom I had expected to spend my days, among whom I hope I 
have been, in some humble measure useful, whom, notwith- 
standing the opposition that exists, I sincerely love, and many 
of whom I trust, entertain a reciprocal regard and affection 
for me. 

I most ardently wish that the committee and the parish might 
reconsider their proceedings, and restore the society to their 
former state of peace and friendship; but if the application for 
my dismission is persisted in, I must request. Gentlemen of the 
committee, that you will let me know your reasons for wishing 
a separation, and furnish me with all the specific articles of 
comfilaint^ that 1 may know what answer to give to the request 
in the first section of the vote of the parish. I am. Sir, and gen- 
tlemen of the committee, with due respect, your friend and 
pastor, John Co dm an. 

Copy, 



Thomas Tilestoji, Esq. to Rev. Mr. Codman. 

Dorchester, July 17th, 1811.. 

Rev. Sir, Your note of the I5th instant, I received yesterday 
morning, and must confess, Sir, that I felt extremely disappoint- 
ed in finding your evasion to an answer to the first section of a 
vote passed at a late parish meeting, which has been in your 
possession since the 26th of June ult. 

In your note of the 9th instant, you assure the committee that 
you will endeavor by a prompt attention to their communication, 
to save them as much time and trouble as possible, and on this 
ground, Sir, they have partially acceded to your request. 

It is your request that the committee state to you their rea- 
sons why they wish a separation; also to furnish you with all the 
specific articles of complaint, that you may know what answer 
to give to the request, &c. 

It is impossible, Sir, that you should be unacquainted with the 
material cause of complaint which the parish will undoubtedly 
allege, and which they have so repeatedly and in various ways 
stated to you. 

More than eighteen months have elapsed, since you was ad* 
monished in a most friendly manner, and cautioned against 
pursuing a system which was then thought would bring you 



51 

into your present unhappy situation. I must therefore repeat 
Rev. Sir, that you cannot be at a loss to know what the osten* 
sible ground of complaint is with the parish. 

Should the committee think proper to introduce any minor 
articles of complaint, you may rest assured, Sir, (if it is neces- 
sary,) you shall be furnished seasonably with all the charges 
alleged. 

I must therefore request you. Rev. Sir, to give an unequivocal 
answer to the first section of the vote passed at the parish 
meeting, June 24th, 3 811. I have the honor to be, Rev. Sir, in 
behalf of the committee, yours respectfully. 

Copy, Thomas Tilesjon, Chairman. 



Rev. Mr. Codmaii to Thomas Tileston, Esq. 



Dorchester, July 18th, 1811. 

Dear Sir, Your note of yesterday I received this morning, and 
am sorry that your disappointment, in not receiving an une- 
quivocal answer to the first section of the vote of the parish, 
should have excited any unpleasant feelings. You intimate that 
I have not regarded my engagements to be "prompt in my 
attention to your communications." You surely must have for- 
gotten the reason which I gave for the delay in my last note. 
Though the vote of the parish was received on the 26th ©f June, 
your request to answer the first section of it was not handed to 
me till Friday afternoon last, and my answer was sent to you on 
the following Monday, the only day therefore, in which I could 
have returned an earlier answer was Saturday, when I was ne- 
cessarily engaged in preparations for the Sabbath. 

I have certainly not the least disposition to evade or delay the 
answer to your request, and if you are ready to say, that you 
have no other reasons for wishing a separation, than those which 
form "Me ostensible ground of com fi lain t,'* by which, I under- 
stand, the objections that have been made respecting my ex- 
changes, my answer will be as unequivocal as you desire. 
But, if you have any other charges against me, with which I 
have not yet been acquainted, it surely cannot be considered 



52 

unreasonable that I should renew my request, viz. That you 
would assign your reasons for wishing a separation, and furnish 
me with all the specific articles of comfilaint. I am, Sir, and gen- 
tlemen of the committee, with due respect, your friend and 

pastor, John Codman. 

Cofiy. 



Thomas Tileston, Esq, to Rev. Mr. Codman. 

Rev. Sir, Your note of the 18th instant was received this 
morning, and I am sorry to say, that the committee believe you 
mean to evade giving a direct answer to the question they have 
repeatedly proposed to you. In reply. Sir, I have only to re- 
quest you, by direction of the committee, to give an answer to 
the second section of the vote passed June the 24th, 1811. 

Should you agree Avith the committee in calling a mutual 
council, to be impartially chosen, they will meet you at any 
time and place that you may think proper to appoint for that 
purpose, and will then and there state to you the several charges 
which they intend to bring against you. I am. Sir, in behalf of 
the committee, yours respectfully, Thomas Tileston, 

Friday inor?iing^ July 1 9f /z, 1 8 H . Chairman of Com. 



Rev, Mr. Codman to Thomas Tileston, Esq. 

Dorchester, July 22d, 1811. 

Thomas Tileston, Esq. Chairman of the Committee of the Second 
Parish i?i Dorchester. 

Dear Sir, Your note of the 19th instant I am informed, was 
delivered at my house on Saturday last, but being from home, 
it has not been in my power to answer it until this day. 

Having in my last note assured you, that I had not the least 
disposition to evade or delay giving an answer to the first sec- 
tion of the vote of the parish, I was not a little surprised and 
hurt at your insinuation of a want of sincerity in me, when you 
state that the committee believe that I mean to evade giving a 
direct answer to their request. 

Remaining still of the opinion that it is not only expedient, 
but indispensable, that I should know your reasons for wishing 
a separation, and be furnished with all the specific articles of 



53 

eomplamt, before it would be proper for me to give an explicit 
answer to a question so important, not only to myself, but to the 
flock committed to my charge, as that contained in the first 
section of the vote, you must allow me again to say, that, until 
I am in possession of these articles officially and in "writing, I 
cannot give an answer to your first request. 

With regard to the second section of the vote I have to ob- 
serve, that, as it proposes instituting a tribunal before which I 
am to be tried, it is of still greater importance, previously to 
my assenting to a measure of such moment, that I should be 
furnished with all the sfiecijic articles of comjilaint in writing. 

It is, indeed, a provision in our wise and happy constitution, 
that "no subject of the Commonwealth shall be held to answer 
for any crime or offence until the same \s fully Sind /ilainly, sub- 
stantially and formally described to him." In asking for your 
charges against me in writing^ therefore gentlemen, I do but 
claim a constitutional right, which I trust you have no disposi- 
tion to deny me. 

You observe '-that, should I agree with the committee in call- 
ing a mutual council, to be impartially chosen, they (the com- 
mittee,) will. meet me at any time and place that I may think 
proper to appoint for that purpose, and that they will then and 
there state to mte the several charges which they intend to 
bring against me." Surely, Sir, if any part of the business be- 
tween us ought to be transacted in writing, it should be the 
statement of specific articles of complaint. This also is consonant 
to invariable custom, in all cases of the kind how in question. 

Will you allow me to ask. Sir, and gentlemen of the com- 
mittee, why you object to this common and most reasonable 
mode of communication? 

If I have been guilty of such crimes and rnisdemeanors as to 
render it necessary or expedient that I should be separated 
from my people, it surely cannot be a difficult matter to specify 
those charges in 'Coriting! 

It ever has been, and still is my ardent wish, to prevent dis- 
sentions in the parish, by all proper and consistent means in 
my power; and, although for myself, I can sec no reason to jus- 
tify such a step as you propose, yet, if the committee are of 
opinion, that a Mutual Ecclesiastical Council, regularly and iin- 
partially chosen, will tend to heal the difficulties and restore 
peace and tranquillity, I shall not shrink from an investigation 
of my character and conduct; but shall be perfectly ivilUng to 



54 

unite with the disaffected members of my society in their sec- 
ond proposition; provided honvever^ that the committee will 
Jirst furnish me with all the sfiecijic articles of comfilaint in writ- 
i7ig^ which I have so often requested, and which I once more 
repeat, is absolutely indispensable. I am, Sir, and gentlemen of 
the committee, with due respect, your friend and pastor, 

Dorchester, Monday, July 22f/, 1811. John Codman. 

Copy. 



Thomas Tileston, E&q. to Rev. Mr. Codman. 

Dorchester, July 23d, 1811. 

Rev. Sir, Your note of yesterday I received this morning, and 
am not pleased at finding no decisive answer to either of the 
questions which the committee have stated to you. 

You still insist. Sir, that the committee furnish you with all 
the charges they intend to exhibit against you in writing pre- 
vious to your giving an answer to either of the sections of 
the vote passed June 24th, 1811. . 

The line of conduct you have seen fit to pursue, Sir, since 
your settlement with us, has been so different from what might 
have (rationally) been expected from your previous intimations, 
that you cannot be insensible what has occasioned all the diffi- 
culties which have so seriously threatened the parish with ruin. 

The committee are therefore. Sir, clearly of opinion that 
your usefulness as a minister of the gospel in the society over 
which you preside, is at an end. 

It is your opinion, Sir, as you justly state in your note of the 
15th instant, "that the continuance of complaints of a people 
against their minister, is injurious and disgraceful to the cause 
of virtue, and the pure and peacetui religion of the gospel, and 
also destructive to the peace and happiness of civil society." 

This being your opinion. Rev. Sir, and there being no proba- 
bility of the difficulties subsiding, the committee are the more 
surprised at your hesitating a moment in giving your decisive 
answer to the first section of the parish vote. See. 

Nor can they perceive the absolute necessity (or importance 
to you) of stating all the specific articles in writing, which they 
may allege against you; more especially to obtain an answer tc 
a question they have so repeatedly proposed to you, 



55 

The committee are therefore of opinion, Sir, that it would be 
inproper and unnecessary for them at the present time, to 
comply with your repeated requisitions in furnishing you by 
writing with all the specific articles of charge which they may 
prefer against you, (as a preliminary) to your answering either 
of the questions proposed; but, Sir, the committee are willing 
to meet you as we proposed in our last note, at any time and 
place that may be agreeable to you to appoint, and state to you 
as before expressed. 

The committee are unanimously of opinion that it will be 
timely for them to state their charges in writing, when they 
shall have received your negative to the first section of the vote 
passed at the parish meeting, &c. or have agreed to join us in 
calling a Mutual Council, Sec. I have the honor to be. Rev. Sir, 
in behalf of the committee, yours respectfully. 

Co/iy. Thomas Tileston, Chah^man. 



Rev, Mr, Codman to Thomas Tileston^ Esq. 

Dorchester, July 24tb, ISll, 

Dear Sir, Your note of the 23d instant, was handed me last 
evening. 

As the committee still refuse to furnish me with all the spe- 
cific articles of complaint in writing, and have constituted them- 
selves into a tribunal, ^decide that 7mj usefulness is at an end; 
any farther proceedings on my part might seem unnecessary, 
were there not a considerable and respectable number in my 
parish, (who afipear to have been forgotten bij the committee^) 
\ who are of a different opinion respecting my usefulness, and 
my continuance as their minister. 

Should I see fit to accede to the request in the first section 
of the vote of the^ parish, (so often alluded to,) they would justly 
claim a right to my reasons for such a singular step, and as I 
have never been furnished with all the specific articles of com- 
plaint against me, the only reason which it is in my power to 
give them would be, that "it is the opinion of the committee, that 
my usefulness as a minister of tlie gospel in the society over 



56 

which I preside, is at an end"— .a reason, which would, probably, 
be as unsatisfactory to them as to myself. 

As you appear to insist upon my giving an answer to the first 
section of the vote, without assigning the reasons which I have 
so repeatedly requested, I presume I shall be justified by all 
parties, after having in vain endeavored to obtain your charges 
against me, in returning a negative to your first request. 

In your note, you argue, "that, because I acknowledge that 
the continuance of complaints of a people against their minister, 
is injurious and disgraceful to the cause of virtue, and the pure 
and peaceful religion of the gospel; and also destructive to the 
peace and happiness of civil society:" therefore^ the committee 
are the more surprised at my hesitating a moment in giving 
them a decided answer to the first section of the parish vote." 

This, Sir, and gentlemen of the committee, is a singular mode 
of reasoning, your conclusion is predicated upon the idea, that 
-Thave been the source^ and the blavieable cause of all the diffi- 
culties in the parish. 

I presume it is unnecessary for me to remind you of a well 
known principle in law ^'•that no man shall take advantage of 
Ms own iv7'ong;" and, as the parish, in their vote, acknowledge, 
<'that in church and parochial affairs, men and Christians ought 
not to be the judges of the justice of their own claims and 
complaints,'* perhaps it may appear, when the case comes to 
be tried before a "consj:itutional and impartial tribunal," to 
which the parish say they are "willing to submit their cause," 
that others have unreasonably promoted contentions and divis- 
ions in the parish. 

If this should be the case, it will not be so obvious, as you im- 
agine, that, on account of existing aljficultiesy I ought to be 
separated from a church and people whom I love, and many of 
whom, I trust, entertain a regard for me. 

I make these remarks, merely to justify myself from the 
mputation contained in your note, and not to reflect on you\ 
gentlemen, or anij individuals in the parish; for, notwithstanding 
all the unkind treatment and unreasonable opposition I have 
received, I bear you no ill will, and am ready "to forgive and 
forget, as far as possible, all that has passed, and to live peacea- 
bly with you and with all men." 

With regard to the second section of the vote, it is impossi- 
ble for me to express myself in stronger language, than in the 
words of the last paragraph of my last note July 22d, to which 



^ 



57 

[ I beg leave to refer you, beginning with the words, It ever has 

I been, &c. to the end of the note. That paragraph, gentlemen, 

\. contains my sentiments on the subject of a council; and, as I 

'I coBceive them to be jierfectly reasonable and just, it is my de- 

l termination steadfastly to adhere to them. I am, Sir, and gen- 

1 llemen of the committee,with due respect, your friend and pastor. 

1 John Codman. 



Thomas Tileston, Esq. to Rev. Mr. Codmaii. 

Dorchester, July 26th, 1811. 

Rev. Sir, Your note of the 24th I received late in the evening 
of the same day. Thinking it expedient to call the committee 
together, it has not been convenient sooner to return an answer. 

I find, Sir, you have given your negative as it respects com- 
plying with the first section of the parish vote. 

The committee would have felt happy, had you likewise 
given a decided answer to the second section of the same vote. 
But, Sir, as it respects that particular, you refer us to the closing 
paragraph in your note of July 22d, where you request us first 
to furnish you with all the specific articles of complaint in writ- 
ing; you also observe in the last paragraph in your note July 
24th, "that it is your determinaffbn steadfastly to adhere to 
them." 

The committee stated to you, as their opinion, in their last 
note July 2Sd, that your usefulness, as a minister of the gospel 
in the society over which you preside, was at an end; this was 
the opinion, Sir, of a parish committee, and not as you have been 
pleased to state. Sir, a tribunal: believing now as they did 
then, that nothing short of a separation will restore peace and 
tranquillity to the society, which is a most desirable object with 
a great majority of the parish. 

The committee, therefore, cannot agree with you, that all th« 
articles of complaint should be made specifically in writing, 
previous to obtaining your answer. 

But, Sir, as you appear so anxious to know the articles of 
complaint which may be brought against you, the committee 
are willing to exhibit those, \^hich at the present time, they 

8 



5S 

may have a knowledge'of, as soon as the same can be properly 
arranged, &c. 

But, Sir, we have no idea of pledging ourselves that they shall 
be the only articles that may be presented. We wish to be 
understood, Rev. Sii, that it is our intention to offer every article 
of complaint which may tend to throw any light upon the impor- 
tant subject now in dispute, which has transpired, and not withinj 
our knowledge; or may transpire between this time and th< 
result of a Council, if one should be chosen. 

We therefore presume. Sir, you will see the impropriety, 
not the impossibility, of stating, as you have repeatedly request- 
ed, and be induced to take such steps as will bring this unhappy 
contest to a final and speedy issue. 

I am, Rev. Sir, in behalf of the Commiittee. 

Thomas Tileston, Chair, of Com. 



I 

Rev. Mr, Codman^ to T. Tilesion, Esq. i 

Dorchester, July 29, 1811, 

Dear Sir, Yours of the 26th was duly received, in Avhicli 
you state, "that the Committee are willing to exhibit,'* (in wri- 
ting, I presume, though nof.expressedin your note,) those arti- 
cles of complaint which at the present time they naay have a 
knowledge of, as soon as the same can be properly arranged, 
Sec." I am happy to find. Sir, that the Committee are thus, at 
length, disposed to grant my request, for 1 did not wish them to 
exhibit articles of complaint o/iy/i/cA they had no knowledge^ and 
ivhich had not yet tran&fiired. 

This, would, indeed, have been unreasonable. Upon your 
exhibiting ail the articles of complaint in vjrititig ^ ivhich have 
transliired^" and '•''of ivhich you have a knowLedge^^ I shall be 
ready and fierjectly willing to unite with the disaffected mem- 
bers of my Society in a Mutual Ecclesiastical Council, regularly 
and impartially chosen, to hear and determine upon these 
articles. 

Your own good sense, gentlemen, will convince you "of the 
impropriety, if not the impossibility" of my consenting to be 



59 

■ ^ied upon articles, of which the plaintitTs themselves have ?z© 

V knowledge^ and which they confess, have not yet tranapired. 
|B I am, Sir, and Gentlemen of the Committee with due respect, 

jH your friend and pastor, ' John Codman. 

V T. Tlleston, Esq. to Rev. Mr. Codman. 

^■- Dorchester, August 1st, 1811. 

Rev. Sir, Your note of the 29th instant has been received. 
The Committee in their note (of July 25th) fully stated to you 
the impropriety (if not impossibility) of furnishing you with all 
the specific articles of complaint in writing, and go on to say; 
the Committee are willing to exhibit those, v»hich at the pres- 
ent time they may have a knowledge of, as soon as the same 
can be properly arranged, Sec. 

After this explicit declaration of the Committee, they had no 
hesitancy in believing, that your answer would have been as ex- 
plicit. But, Sii', what do you in reply say, "in your last note?" 

^•Upon your exhibiting all the articles of complaint in writing, 
which have transpired, and which you have a knowledge, I 
shall be ready and perfectly willing to unite with the disaffected 
members of my society, in a mutual ecclesiastical coun- 
cil, regularly and impartially chosen, to hear and determine upon 
these articles.' By this. Sir, it must be your intention, to ex° 
elude the Committee from offering any other articles of coni" 
plaint against you, than those, which they may, as soon as may 
be convenient, (should you agree to our proposition) furnish 
you in writing. 

The Committee, Sir, will not agree to any proposition, that 
may deprive them of bringing forward, and laying before the 
council, "all sugh articles of charge, or cause of complaint, as> 
in their opinion, may be thought expedient.' 

A month has elapsed since the negociation has been opened, 
and you are not insensible, Sir, what progress has been made, 
in bringing to an issue, an afi'air so important both to yourself, 
and your society. 

The Comnclittee are therefore, Sir, under the necessity of 
stating to yoijf, that the present mode of communication must 
be broken off (unless a speedy and satisfactory decision can be 
had) on the particular point at this moment in dispute; should 

I 



60 

this not be the case, the Cominittee will then proceed agreeable 
to the directions of the parish vote. I am. Rev. Sir, in behalf of 

the Committee, yours respectfully, Thomas Tilestqn, Chair. ( 

» * 

/ 

J 

r 

Uev. Mr. Codman to T. Tileston, Esq. 

Dear Sir, Yesterday I received your note, which was dated 
the day before; in which you intimate that I have not been ex- 
plicit in my answer to your request, and observe "that the Com- 
mittee are under the necessity of stating to me that unless a 
speedy and satisfactory decision can be had on the particular 
point at this moment in dispute, the present mode of commu- 
nication must be broken off, and the Committee (should this 
not be the case) will proceed agreeably to the parish vote." 

I wish you t© remember, Sir and Gentlemen of the Com- 
mittee, what I have repeatedly stated to you, That so far from 
shrinking from an investigation of my character and conduct, I 
am now, and always have been, ready and perfectly willing) 
agreeably to the second proposition in the parish vote, to join 
the disaffected ?nembers of my society in calling a mutual ec- 
clesiastical council, to be regularly and impartially chosen, to 
hear and determine upon all matters of controversy between me 
and my society, or, more properly, upon all articles of complaint 
•which my society have against me, (for I have no controversy 
with them, and bear them no ill will,) wii/i this reasonable provis- 
ion^ that all the said matters of controversy, or articles of com- 
plaint be previously exhibited to me specifically and in writing. 

These are my sentiments, Gentlemen, respecting a council, 
and, as I observed once before, I am now constrained to repeat, 
that, believing them to be perfectly reasonable and just, it is my 
determination steadfastly to adhere to them. 

If a month has elapsed since the negociation has been open- 
ed, the impartial can easily judge, by the writings which have 
passed between us, whether the fault is chargeable to my ac- 
count. I am. Sir and Gentlemen of the Committee, with due 
respect, your friend and pastor, John Codmai^^ 

Dorchester, Saturday, Aug, 3cl, 18iL 



61 



T. Tileston^ Esq, to Rev. Mr, Codman. 

Dorchcstiii', Aug. 5th, 1811. 

Rkv. Sir, Your note of Saturday last was l>encled me by the 
bearer; the committee believe your request to be not only un- 
reasonable, but unprecedented; and do not agree thereto. They 
therefore direct me, Sir, to inform you, that they intend meeting 
at Mr. E. Thayer's Hall on Monday next, at 3 o'clock in the 
afternoon; at which time and place, they request your attend- 
ance for the purpose, (if possible,) to agree upon calling a mu- 
tual ecclesiastical council, to settle the unhappy difterences 
existing between you and your society. 

In case of your non-compliance, the committee will consider 
you as declining to join them, Sec. and will immediately proceed 
agreeably to the directions given them in the 3d section of the 
parish vote. 

Should you meet them, they will state to you generally their 
causes of complaint, uneasiiiess, and dissatisfaction; but should 
you join them m calling a mutual ecclesiastical council, they 
will furnish you, in writing, (as far as is customary in such cases,) 
with the articles of complaint they intend to lay before the 
same, a reasonable time previous to their sitting. 

I am, Rev. Sir, in behalf of the Committee, yours respectfully, 

Thomas Tileston, Chairman. 

N. B. Should the time appointed for the meeting militate 
with any previous engagements of yours, any other early day 
will be as agreeable to the committee, by your giving them the 
pecessary information. 



Rev, Mr. Codman to T. Tileston, Esq. 

Dear Sir, Your note of the 5th instant, was received last eve- 
ning, in which you observe, "that the committee believe my 
request to be not only unreasonable, but unprecedented; and 
do not agree thereto." I must beg leave to differ from the 
committee, and can neither think my request "unreasonable, 
nor unprecedented." 

Surely nothing can be more reasonable than for a person, in 
my situation, before he consents to be tried by an ecclesiastical 



62 

council, to require that he should be previously furnished with 
all the articles of complaint in writinj^. This right, Gentlemen, 
I have before reminded you (although you have thought proper 
in your correspondence, to pass it over, with many other things, 
ivithout the leasfnotice,) is guaranteed to me, in common with 
every cilizen in the commonwealth, by our excellent constitu- 
tion; and it is a right, which, I presume I shall be justified in 
maintaining by an impartial public. Should a council be con- 
vened, upon the principles which you wish,* not knowing for 
what purpose, only as you might inform them, from time to 
time, as new articles of complaint "transpired," or "came lo 
your knowledge," how could the defendant be prepared to 
answer, and be fully heard in his defence, or produce all proofs 
that may be favorable to him, as the constitution provides? And 
how could the council know when such proceedings might endr 

The defendant too, in such a mode of communication might 
be compelled not only to answer to his opponents who make 
one party in the case, but to every individual of the same party, 
who could form an article of complaint, either feigned or real, 
at any time during the course of the trial. 

I must therefore repeat, that I consider it absolutely indis- 
pensable that I should be furnished with all your specific arti- 
cles of complaint in writing, previously to calling an ecclesias- 
tical council. Until this is done, I cannot consent to meet the 
committee, as you propose; being of the same opinion now as 
formerly, that business of such vast importance to the future 
happiness both of my society and myself, ought to be transacted 
by voritteii and not by -verbal communication. 

If this will not satisty you, gentlemen, I can do no more. I 
have endeavored to do all in my povver to restore peace and 
tranquillity, by offering to unite with you in a mutu^al council, 
upon the most reascnableterms. But, if you wish still to contend, 
no efforts of mine can prevent it; and you must take such 
measures as your wisdom dictates. 

You observe, "tiiat in case of my non-compliance, the com- 
initiee will consider me as declining to join them, Sec. and will 
accordingl)' proceed agreeably to the directions given them in 
the parish vote." 

Allow nue to remind you, gentlemen, that by the parish vote, 
you are not empowered to call an exparte council, except i« 

* See page 58, first paragraph. 



63 

case of my not acceding to the 2cl proposition, viz. "to join in 
calling a mutual ecclesiastical council, (to be impartially chosen,) 
to hear and, determine on all matters of controversy existing be- 
tween me and my society." 

Even the parish does not wish me to be tried upon articles of 
complaint, which did not exist at the time the vote was passed, 
or in other words "which have not transfiired^ and which have 
not come ivithin your knowledge.** 

I always have been, and am now ready to unite with the disaf- 
fected members of my society, in calling a mutual council, to 
hear and determine upon all articles of complaint, which do now 
exist,, firovided that the same be previously exhibited to me specify 
ically in writing; or in the words of the constitution, which I 
had occasion to quote before, ^^h& fully and plainly, substantially 
and formally described to me," The impartial must judge 
■whether my not agreeing to meet the committee at Mr. 
Thayer's Hall, can be considered as declining to join the parish 
in a mutual council. I am. Sir and Gentlemen of the com- 
mittee, with due respect, your friend and pastor, 

John Codman. 
Dorchester, Aug. 7th, 1811. 



Application for a Church Meeting, 

Dorchester, Aug. 31, 1811. 
Rev. Sir, We the snbscribers, aggrieved members of your 
Church, wish you to call a Church Meeting on Friday next, af- 
ter lecture, to join us in the choice of a mutual council to hear 
and act upon the difficulties now existing between us, and we 
will state our grievances prior to that time. 

Samuel B. Lyon, Isaac N. Field, 

Isaac Withington, Samuel B. Pierce, 
Ebener Davenport, Wili-iam Henley. 
To the Rev. John Codman, 



Letter from the Parish Committee, containing 
CHARGES against the Rev. Mr, Codman, 

Dorchester, Sept, 4th, 1811. 
Dear Sir, Yours of the 7th of August was duly receiv'edj your 
not agreeing to the proposition made in ©ur last note, for calling 



64 

a mutual Council; the Committee have necessarily delayed far- 
ther troubling you on the important subject, which has for so 
long a time been under discussion until the present time.* 

The Committee met agreeably to assignment, as stated to you 
in onr last note; and waited in hopes that you would have con- 
descended to have met with them; but being disappointed in 
that respect, they have agreed to furnish ycu with the following 
articles of charge, which are all they intend to allege, that have 
already come within their knowledge; and probably all they 
will allege, although they are fully of opinion that they are not 
bound so to do, previously to your joining them in calling a 
Council. But, Rev. Sir, the Committee being desirous to evince 
to you, and an impartial public, their readiness to comply with 
any reasonr-ble proposition, that may tend to bring to an issue an 
affair of such vast importance, both to yourself and your society, 
is the object with them, in stating to you their articles at the 
present time; reserving however, the right of bringing forward, 
all such articles of complaint as may transpire between this time 
and the sitting of the council, first furnishing you with the same, 
a reasonable time, previously, that you may make preparation 
for your defence. 

The commiittee cannot omit expressing their surprise at that 
part of your last note, (Aug. 7,) where you say "should a council 
be convened upon the principles which you wish, not knowing 
for what purpose, only as you might inform them from time to 
time, as new articles of complaint, transpired, or came within 
your knowledge, how could the defendant be prepared to an- 
swer and be fully heard in his defence?" and so on to the end of 
the paragraph. 

In what instance have the committee refused furnishing you 
with all their articles of complaint of which they have a knowl- 
edge? They have indeed, invariably made the reservation of 
bringing forward new articles of complaint, should any trans- 
pire; accompanied with a promise that you should be seasonably 
furnished with the same. 

This right we still claim; but, Sir, if our intentions are such 
as you have been pleased to intimate, what must be your opin- 
ion of a venerable council, that would sanction such unprece- 
dented, unconstitutional, and abominable proceedings! 

Therefore, agreeably to your request, they now state to you 
the several particulars (which if necessary) they propose to lay 
before the couQcil. 

•Au interval ofamontk. 



Q5 

They wish to obtain their opinion, whether, under existing 
circumstances, it will not be expedient that your pastoral rela- 
tion to this society should be dissolved; and shall assign (if 
needful) the following reasons, why we are desirous of its dis- 
solution. 

1 St. Because the great disappointment, that a respectable num- 
ber of your Church, and a majority of your society, have experi- 
enced at your not exchanging ministerial labors, with the Rev. 
Clergy composing the Boston Association generally, more espe- 
cially those that were present and performed at the dedication 
of the meeting-house, and at the organization of the Church; 
and those that were particularly concerned and assisted in your 
ordination; which the parish had every reason to expect, from 
your intimations, both antecedent and subsequent to your settle- 
ment. 

2d. Because, though we would not deny to a minister all dis- 
cretion in the choice of those with whom he changes pulpits; 
yet you have, in our opinion, gone in this respect, to such an 
improper and unwarrantable extreme, as in effect to make us a 
separate religious society; cutting us off from that intercourse 
with the greater part of those Christian societies (and of our 
own denomination) with which we have been on terms of friend- 
ship and communion. 

3d. Because we conceive, that the lectures and religious 
meetings which you appoint, or encourage, are so frequent, aad 
held at such times and places, as that they tend rather to disor- 
der and the interruption of domestic union, comfort, anddutiesj 
than to the promotion of the social virtues and genuine reli- 
gion. 

4th. Because of your unfeeling and unnatural conduct, in at- 
tempting to prevent the neighbors and friends of Mr. Thomas 
Crehore, from attending the funeral of his son, by urging seve- 
ral of them personally to attend your lecture; and requesting 
them to call on your friends to do likewise; also, threatening to 
forsake them, in case of refusal. 

5th. Because you personally, or by your instigation, circu' 
lated cards in Rev. Mr. Harris's parish, respecting the cate- 
chism, cautioning them to beware of innovation; undoubtedly 
meaning for them to guard against their Rev. Pastor; who had 
previously introduced Dr. Watts's Catechism, as;reeably to the 
P 



66 

printed directions of the School Committee, of which you are a 
member. 

6th. Because of your overbearing conduct in neglect of the 
wishes of a majority of the parish in admitting into the pul- 
pit a number of ministers, whom the parish, at a legal meeting, 
had requested not to preach therein, until their difficulties had 
subsided; also, your endeavoring to prevent the customary toll- 
ing the bell for a funeral, as an interference with your lecture. 

7th. Because of your disrespectful observations, towards 
some of your fathers and brethren in the ministry, whom, we 
believe, sustain unimpeachable characters, both as men and 
Christians. 

8th. Finally, because we conceive, that, while your ministe- 
rial relation to us shall continue, there will be no prospect of 
the restoration of that harmony, peace, and brotherly love, 
wliich have been so unhappily interrupted, and which we ar- 
dently wish may soon return. 

The articles above stated are the primary causes of our com- 
plaints and dissatisfaction. Many other complaints of minor con- 
sequence might be offered, but presuming they might be con- 
strued merely as faults incident to human nature, the committee 
think proper to dispense with them. 

It is the wish of the committee. Rev. Sir, that you inform 
them, as early as possible, whether you will, or will not, join 
them in a mutual, ecclesiastical council upon the principles 
above stated. 

I am, Rev. Sir, in behalf of the committee, yours respectfully. 

Thomas Tileston, Chairman, 



Letter from the aggrieved Members of the Cliiirch, 
containing charges against the Rev, Mr, Cod- 
man, 

Dorchester, September 5th, 1811, 

Sir, agreeably to our promise in a note requesting you to call a 
Church meeting, we, as aggrieved members of your Church, 
now present you a statement of our grievances. 

1st. We are aggrieved because we ful/y believe that you 
have designedly practised upon us the arts of deception. 



m 

The following instances we will name. You made a declara- 
tion to Deacon Clap, and a similar one to Esq. Tileston, previ- 
ous to your ordination, that it was your determination to join the 
Boston Association, with whom you expected to be on the most 
intimate terms of friendship. In consequence of this declara- 
tion, which was circulated at the time, some of us, believing it 
to amount to a promise to exchange with the ministers of the 
association, gave up our opposition to your settlement. This 
promise, except as to joining that association, according to fair 
construction, you have neglected or refused to fulfil. Brother 
Field stated to you, as matter of grivance to him, that you, as it 
was believed, had circulated a certain card in the Rev. Mr. Har- 
ris's society in this town. You made to brother Field, in pres- 
ence of brother Pierce, a solemn declaration, that you had not 
circulated any card in that parish. Contrary to the natural con- 
struction of this declaration, you did pat into the hands of each of 
two women, belonging to that parish, several of those cards, tell- 
ing them to give them to whom they pleased. These instances 
of your conduct, we are persuaded, are very inconsistent with 
Christian sincerity. 

2. We are of opinion, that your refusing to exchange minis- 
terial labors with many of the gentlemen who composed the 
council which ordained you, and with many of the gentlemen of 
the association, of which you are a member, is inconsistent with 
the charitable spirit of the Gospel, and tends to interrupt, if not 
■wholly destroy, the fellowship of this Church with the neigh* 
boring Churches. 

The ministers of these Churches are gentlemen, who are in 
regular standing, and, as fur as we know, unim peached and un= 
impeachable. They have heretofore taken an interest in our 
welfare, and we have always held them in high esteem, and 
shall continue to love and esteem them, until it shall be made to 
appear that they have forfeited our charity and fellowship. 

Your refusing to exchange with these gentlemen, without 
giving us any satisfactory reason for your conduct, has given us 
much uneasiness. The course you have taken in this respect, 
is altogether contrary to our expectations, and to the expecta- 
tions of the majority of the parish; and we think contrary to the 
spirit of your own declaration before your ordination. 

3d. We are aggrieved by your exchanging with some min» 
isters, who have been requested, in conformity to a vote of the 



68 

parish, not to preach in our meeting-house, while our difficul- 
ties remained unsettled. 

In this conduct we apprehend, you have discovered a great 
want of the spirit of conciliation, and a disposition to grieve our 
hearts, already too deeply v/ounded by your other proceedings. 
4th. We think you have violated an express rule, given by 
Christ, in refusing an aggrieved brother, when he requested itj 
an opportunity to tell you his grievances "between thee and him 
alone;" and likewise, when, in conformity to the same I'ule of 
Christ, he "took with him one or two more." 

These, Rev. Sir, are the principal causes of our grievance 
and dissatisfaction, and we lay them before you, we trust, in the 
spirit of Christians. But we do not think it would be just for 
you to require, nor proper for us to promise, that other matters 
of grievance, if they should occur, shall not hereafter be pre- 
sented to you. 

The above grievances we expect to be laid before the Church 
at their meeting on Friday next, if they ., ivith such others as have 
been presented by the parish committee^ cannot be removed by the 
Churchy or by yourself we request you (with the Church, if 
they please) on the one part, to join with us, and a committee 
of the parish, on the other part, in choosing a mutual council to 
advise us in our present difficulties, and to give us their opin- 
ion in respect to the expediency of your dismission from your 
pastoral relation to us; and to deliberate and advise iii all mat- 
ters and things relating to our unhappy controversy. 

Samuel B. Lyon, Ebenezer Davenport, 

Isaac N. Field, John Mellish, 

Isaac Withington, Samuel B. Pierce? 
William Henley. 



Church Meeting. 

At a meeting of the Second Church in Dorchester, September 
6, 1811, after lecture, being duly notified on the preceding Sab- 
bath, in consequence of the request of the aggrieved brethren 
of the Church. 

A motion was made by brother Lyon, and seconded by one of 
the aggrieved brethren, that the Pastor, with the Chut^h, if 
they please, on the one part, now unite with the a^grieve4 



brethren and the parish committee od the other part, in the. 
choice of a mutual council, to hear and determine on the arti- 
cles of complaint furnished by the aggrieved brethren and the 
parish committee. 

The Church -were of opinion that inquiry ought first to be 
made Avhether the steps had been taken according to Gospel 
rules. 

The aggrieved brethren answered that they had, but without 
effect. As the Ptistor was of opinion that they had not been 
regularly taken, and as this question constituted one of the 
charges against him, it was agreed to be waved. 

The Church were also of opinion that it was necessary for 
them to know, in order to act understandingly, what had been 
clone by the parish committee, and accordingly voted that their 
communications to 3Ir. Codman and his answers be read. 

After these papers were read, the Church passed the follow- 
ing vote. 

"Voted, That it is the opinion of this Church that the Rev. 
Mr. Codman is correct, and must be justified in requiring that 
all the articles of complaint of his opponents should be in writ- 
ing, and "be /w//z/ ^.nd plainly^ substantialhj ^iVid. forrnally de- 
scribed to him'* before he should be held to answer to them,; it 
being a right guaranteed to every citizen of the Commonwealth 
by the Constitution. And that it is also essential and reasona- 
ble that the same should be done previous to his agreeing to 
join in the choice of an ecclesiastical council, who shall jvrdge 
of these complaints; as the variation of com.plaints might vary 
his judgment in the choice of the menibers of such council, 
otherwise his opponents (who know all the charges they mean 
to bring against him) would have an unequal advantage in the 
choice.'* 

Brother Lyon's motion being called for, passed in the nega- 
tive; the Church being of the opinion that it was more regular 
for them, first, to make inquiry into the grievances, and see if 
they could remove them as requested by the aggrieved brethren 
in their letter. 

It was accordingly moved and seconded that a com.m.ittee of 
five be chosen "to take the complaint of our aggrieved breth- 
ren into consideration, and see if any settlement can be made, 
which will terminate their difficulties, and restore peace and 
tmion in the Chu rch and Society: and should their attempts be 



ro 

unsuccessful, to take into consideration the expediency of a 
council, and to report at the adjournment." 

The brethren were then called upon to bring in their votes, 
and the following brethren were unanimously chosen. Deacon 
Badlam, Deacon Withington, Deacon Clap, brother John Ca- 
pen, jun. and brother Joseph Clap. The meeting was then ad- 
journed to Wednesday the 18th instant at 3 o'clock, P. M. 

Attest, John Co dm an, Clerk. 



Rev. Mr. Codman to T. Tileston, Esq. 

Dorchester, September 7th, 1811. 

Dear Sir, Yours of the 4th instant, containing the complaints 
and charges of the committee against me, or reasons why my 
pastoral relation to my Church and Society should be dissolved 
has been received, in which you request me to inform you, as 
early as possible, whether I will or will not join you in a mutual 
Ecclesiastical Council. 

Some of the members of my Church, part of whom are also 
members of said committee, have made similar complaints and 
laid them before the Church at their meeting, yesterday, "re- 
questing that if said complaints wit>h others, .which have been 
presented by the parish committee, cannot be removed by the 
Church or myself, that I, with the Church (if they please) on 
the one part, and they, with the parish committee on the other 
part, join in calling a mutual council, to advise. Sec. respecting 
the expediency of my dismission;" and the Church have chosen 
a committee to take the matter into consideration, as requested. 

I have already stated to you my willingness to join in the 
choice of a council on /air /iri7ici files, and only wait for the re- 
sult of the said committee, which will be m.ade known, without 
delay, after it is received. I am, Sir, 8cc. John Codman. 



Church Meeting. 

At a meeting of the Second Church in Dorchester, September 
18th, 1811, by adjournment. 

The meeting being opened with prayer for divine assistance 
and direction in the important business before the Church. 

The following Report of the committee^ chosen at the last 
meeting, was read and accepted* 



71 
REPORT. 



Dorchester, Sept. 14, 1811. 

"We, the committee, appointed by the Second Church in Dor- 
chester," to take the grievances of a number of our brethren 
against our reverend pastor, into consideration, and see if any 
settlement can be made, which will terminate their difficulties 
and restore peace and union in the Church and Society; and 
should our attempts be unsuccessful, to take into consideration 
the expediency of a mutual council, and report at the adjourn- 
ment." 

Met our aggrieved brethren at the vestry in the South 

Meeting-House on the 14th instant, at 3 o'clock, P. M. they be- 
ing all present, except brother William Henley. 

The Rev. Mr. Codman having been requested to attend, pre- 
sented a letter to us, which he read, containing his DEFENCE 
and answer to the grievances complained of, by which it appears, 
he thinks himself justified; but, if the complainants entertain a 
different opinion, he asks their forgiveness on some particular 
points, and in all things ivherein it was possible he might be wrong; 
which letter we lay before the Church with pleasure and satis- 
faction. 

The Church, in this place. Voted, that the said letter be now 
read. Accordingly the following letter was read. 

Rev. Mr. Codman* s LETfER <ro t'he CoMMirrsE of ^he 
Second Church in Dorchester, containing his DE- 
FENCE AGAINST THE ARTICLES OF COMPLAINS PRESENTED 
AGAINSf HIM Br SEVERAL AGGRIEVED BRETHREN, OF 'THE 

Church and the Parish CoMMifrEE^'-'i'o be communi- 

CAfED to fHE aggrieved BreT'HREN, fHS ChURCH, AND 
ALL CONCERNED. 

Deacon Stephen Badlam, "^ 

Deacon Ebenezer WithinQ:ton, .• ^ . r , r. 

Deacon Joseph Clap, lun. I Committee of the Second 

Brother John Capen, jun. } Church, &c. 

8c Brother Joseph Clap, J 

Brethren, It is with feelings, difficult for me to express, that 
I now address you on a subject peculiarly painful and distress- 
ing. The unhappy difficulties which have, for some time, agi- 
tated our religious society, have been of such a nature, as to ex*. 
cite the liveliest emoiior.s of regret and anxiety; oi regret, that 
at so early a period of my ministry, "« root of bitterness should 



72 

have sprung up to trouble us;" of anxiety, "lest thereby many- 
be defiled," and the peace and harmony of the church and par- 
ish be interrupted and destroyed. I have watched the growing 
uneasiness with emotions which none but a pastor, who tenderly 
loves his people, can feel; and I trust I have not ceased to im- 
plore the interpositions of divine Providence, and to do every 
thing in my power, consistently with the dictates of my con- 
science, to heal the difficulties, and to restore peace and tran- 
quillity. As a Church of Christ, we have hitherto "dwelt to- 
gether in unity;" ail our proceedings have been conducted with 
a spirit of uncommon unanimity; frequent additions have been 
made to our number of such, as we humbly hope, will be saved; 
and notwithstanding the unhappy difficulties in the society, wc 
have had the satisfaction of having been at peace among ourselves. 
Within a few days, however, several of our brethren, who con- 
sider themselves aggrieved, have laid before the Church several 
charges, of a very serious nature, against their pastor; and have 
requested, "in case their grievances, together with those alrea- 
dy presented by the parish committee, cannot be removed by 
the Church or myself, that we should unite with them and the 
parish committee in the choice of a mutual council." The 
Church, agreeably to their request, having thought proper to 
appoint you, brethren, a committee, for the purpose of inquiry, 
Avhether the grievances abovementioned can be removed by 
the Church or myself, I think it my duty to address you on this 
occasion, and to do all in my power, so far as I am concerned 
in this unhappy controversy, to endeavor to remove the griev- 
ances of the aggrieved brethren, and the parish committee. 

In doing this I am confident you will make suitable allow- 
ance for the peculiarly delicate situation in which I am now 
placed, as the difficulties I am about to consider are of such a 
nature as to involve not only my own personal feelings, but the 
personal feelings of somie of my brethren in the ministry, whom, 
notwithstanding the differenpe in our theological tenets, I sincere- 
ly respect and esteem. 

Should I be so unhappy as not to satisfy our aggrieved breth- 
ren, I shall have the consolation of having made the attempt. 

The aggrieved brethren state in their letter of the 5th of Sep- 
tember, "that they fully believe that I have designedly practised 
upon them the arts of dece/ition.** 

I must confess, that the shock which this charge produced 
p.pon my feelings was as great as it was unexpected; and I 



73 

would fain hope that our brethren, 'when they made the charge^ 
v/ere not sensible of its meaning— I would willingly suppose, that, 
in the warmth of the moment, occasioned by an ardent desire 
to effect the object they had in view, they were betrayed into ex- 
pressions, which, upon cooler reflection, they will be disposed to 
moderate, if not wholly to retract. 

What must be their opinion of a pastor who could designedly 
practise upon the members of his church the arts of decefition? 
and with what propriety could they receive from such a man the 
ordinances of religion? 

The charge, as stated by the aggrieved brethren, implies fire- 
meditated wickedness. In civil life it is considered a high crime 
for an individual dedgnediij to practise the arts of deception up- 
on his fellow-men; hov*- grerit then must be the crime in the 
minister of that gospel whose characteristics are sincerity and 
truth? 

I am sensible of many sins and imperfections, both as a man 
and minister, and I have reason to be deeply humbled on account 
of them; but, if I know my own-heart, T am free from the charge 
of insincerity ; on the contrary, the natural frankness of my dis- 
position, and the unreserved communication of my thoughts and. 
feelings, have not unfrequently involved me in difficulties,which 
a more prudent and cautious mode of expression might have pre- 
vented. I must submit it to Him, v/ho knows my heart, and to 
those of my friends who know me best, whether I deserve the 
character of a man who has designedly practised the arts of de- 
ce/Uion upon the Church of Christ. I should have thought that 
the peculiarly o/ien and ejrpiicit manner in which I avowed my 
religious sentiments fire-viously to my accepting the call of this 
church and people, would have forever exempted me from the 
charge of insincerity. 

You well know, brethren, that I used no arts to obtain the sit- 
uation I now fill. It v.'as in compliance with your urgent and 
repeated solicitations that I consented to supply the pulpit for 
two Sabbaths, as a candidate; and when the Church unanimously 
invited me to settle with them, and the parish, almost unani- 
mously, sanctioned their choice, — it was not till after a consider- 
able time had elapsed, after much prayer and consideration, and 
a full and explicit communication of my religious aeiitiments^ that 
I returned an affirmative answer to their request. 

From the time I was licensed to preach the Gospel, I have 
never concealed my views of the Sacred Scriptures, but, on all 
10 



74 

proper occasions, have uniformly manifested my firm and warm 
attachment to those doctrines, which are commonly called the 
doctrines cfgrace^ and which, in my opinion, are admirably ex- 
pressed and comprehended in the Assembly'' s Catechism^ and in 
the confession of faith of the Congregational Churches in Massa- 
chusetts, drawn u/i in the year 1680. 

The doctrine of the Trinity, in particular, the mysterious 
union of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost in the Gjdhead, I have 
long considered an important and fun dame 7ital doctrine in the 
Christian system. 

These views I fully stated to my people in the Commuyiication 
alluded to,* and these views I fully stated to the Ecclesiastical 
Council, from whom I received my ordination. j 

In entertaining these opinions / may be in an error; I pretend 
no't to infallibility. I may now consider to be fundamen- 
tal, what I may hereafter view as non-essential, but, as long 
as I retain my present opinions, I hope I shall be allowed, in 
this land of civil and religious liberty, to act consistently with 
them. If I am v/rong, I most sincerely pray that God would 
forgiv.e me, and preserve me from all dangerous error, and lead 
me into all necessary truth. You may rest assured, my friends, 
that, the moment I see cause to change my religious sentiments, 
I shall be ready to communicate the change to you with the same 
sincerity, which you must allow me to say, I trust has hitherto 
marked my ministerial conduct. 

Having thus declared my sentiments previous to my ordina- 
tion, and having been assured that they were agreeable to my 
society,! I have endeavored in every part of ministerial duty to 
act consistently with them. If, in any respect, I have not been 
consistent, I am ready to acknowledge my f^iult, and to pursue 
a different line of conduct in future. I trust it will now appear 
that I have not designedly, practised the arts of deception upon 
our aggrieved brethren. But it is proper, before I leave this 
article of complaint, to consider the instances they produce to 
substantiate their charge. 

One is that I made a declaration to Deacon Clap, and a simi- 
lar one to Esquire Tileston, "that it was my determination to join 
the Boston association, with whom I expected to be on the most 
intimate tenns of friendship.'* Altliough I have no particular 
recollection of making such a declaration to those gentl^en. 

•Seep. 11. jSeep. ir. ifSee p. 14, 15, 



75 

yet I think it very probable I did so, as it certainly was my iu- 
tention at that time to join the Boston Association, and undoubt- 
edly my wish to be on friendly terms with them. The above 
declaration, if made at all, which I am ready to admit, was made 
in answer to questions from those gentlemen in the course of 
desultory conversation; and not by way of promise or pledge oa 
my part, as a condition of settlement^ or in any degree whatever 
implying an obligation to exchange; for, to the best of my re- 
collection THE SUBJECT OF EXCHANGES was not cvcu mention- 
ed till after my ordination, or if mentioned, was certainly never 
agreed upon by me. As to the declaration above mentioned, 
being circulated at the time, as a motive to induQe some of the 
aggrieved brethren to give up their opposition to me, it was en- 
tirely without my knowledge and consent, for until very lately 
I never heard the circumstance suggested. That I have com- 
plied with the declaration, I need only appeal to facts. I joined 
the Boston Association soon after my ordination, and have alwavs 
"Mshed and endea-vored to be on terms of friendship with them. 
The liberal principles upon which that association is founded, 
admit of a great variety of religious opinions among its mem- 
bers; and it is well known that such a variety exists. Had 1 un« 
derstood that a connexion with that body laid any individual 
member under an obligation express or implied to indiscrimi- 
nate EXCHANGES, I Certainly should have never joined it. Such 
an obligation I have always considered inconsistent with the 
principles and customs of that association, as I well knew, pre° 
vious to my being admitted a member, that there was one or 
more individuals in the association, who did not exchange gen-' 
erally with the rest; and I always calculated to be indulged the 
same privilege which my brethren enjoyed. Should the incon- 
sistency of my joining an association with whom I do not gener» 
ally exchange still be urged as an objection against me, I can 
only say, in answer, that my intentions were good, and, that bv 
such conduct, it was my object, so far from deyiouncing viy fa- 
thers a7id brethren i?i the Ministry^ to convince them, that, al- 
though we differed in our views' of religion, I could associate 
with them with pleasure, and manifest towards them that re- 
spect and esteem, which their characters as men of literature 
and science, and their office, as ministers cf the sanctuary, de- 
mand. 

The second instance which the aggrieved brethren bring to 
'ibstantiate their charge of my having practisecfthe arts nfde^ 



cefition^ is, "That when brother Field stated to me, as a ffiattcr 
of griei^ance to him, that I, as it was believed, had circulated a 
certain card in the Rev. Mr. Harris's society in this town; I 
made to brother Field, in the presence of brother Pierce, a sol- 
emn declaration that I had not circulated any card in that parish. 
In this connexion I shall also notice a complaint of a similar 
kind contained in the articles of charge presented by the Parish 
Committee, viz. 

Art. 5th. "Because personally, or by my instigation, I circu- 
lated cards in the Rev. Mr. Harris's parish respecting the cate- 
chism, cautioning them to beware of innovation, undoubtedly 
meaning for them to guard against their Rev. Pastor, who had 
previously introduced Dr Watts's Catechism egreeably to the 
printed directions of the school committee." 

The Assembly's Catechism, I have been informed, has, 
from the first settlement of this ancient and venerable town, 
been taught in schools and families, until a few years past. When 
I was settled, and entered upon my duties, as one of the school 
committee, if I recollect right, no other catechism was generally 
taught in the schools. My attachment to that catechism, as con- 
taining an excellent compendium of the truths of the Bible, I 
have never concealed, but on the contrary have openly avowed. 

The uneasiness and anxiety which I felt when an attempt was 
made, soon after my settlement, to introduce another catechism 
in its place, may be more easily conceived than described. In 
reference to the schools in this town, I have always considerr 
ed myself as acting, not merely as pastor of the second par- 
ish, but as one of the ministers of the town of Dorchester. Ic 
28 well kno7vn, that the parishes in Dorchester are not divided 
ly parish lines, as in some other places. Some of Mr. Har- 
ris's society live nearer my meetinghouse than his, and some 
of my society nearer his than miine. This being the case, I 
had not in the affair, under consideration, any regard to parish 
bounds, but considered myself as acting with a view to the in- 
terests of the town at large. Having understood that Dr. Watts's 
catechism had been introduced into some of the schools in the 
town,I imm.ediately examined Dr. Watts's Catechism as contain- 
ed in his works, and v/as highly pleased with its plan and object; 
but,°on reading his preface, I observed tliat it never was the in- 
tention of that great and good man to exclude the assembly's caie* 
chism out of religions families, "for," as he justly observes, "if that 
should once be done, he had much reason to fear there %vould 



77 

scarce come a better in the room of it!* This idea I tlioiight very 
important, and oiif:;ht g-sncr^IIy to be known, a^pecially in tliis 
to-vn when an attempt was made contrary to the Dr's. intention, 
to substitute his catechism in place of the assembly's. It was 
my Avish to give this opinion of Dr. Watts all the publicity I 
could; and I accordingly had it printed in the form of a card, 
with this motto, JVecesaary Caution, Innovations are Dangerous^ 
accompanied with this quotation from Scripture, Jer. vi, 16, 
^'■Thiis saith the Lord^ Stand ye in the rjays and see and ask for 
the old fiaths, where is the good ivay,, and ye shall Jind rest for 
your sotcls."* Soon after I had it printed I gave some of thern 
to Miss Lydia Baker, one of my parishioners, for distribution. I 
also gave some of them to Mrs. Howe and Miss Lydia Lewis, 
if I recollect right, for the same purpose. These persons were 
at my house several times previous to their being admitted 
members of my church, and several times since. It was on one 
of these occasions that I gave them these cards. I may possi- 
bly have given them to some others, but of this I have not the 
least recollection. Soon after these few cards, which I had dis» 
tributed, were in circulation, I understood they excited consid- 
erable uneasiness. The moment this came to my knowledge^ 
I stopped the circulation, so far as it then lay in my power. I 
immediately locked up the remaining cards in my desk, and 
have never distributed them, not even to my own people, except 
within a few days to gratify the curiosity excited by the above 
complaint. 

When brother Field called at my house, previous to our late 
church meeting, he mentioned, as one of his grievances, that I 
had circulated the above mentioned cards in the Rev. Mr. Har-^ 
ris's parish. It not occurring to me that he could have refers 
ence to Mrs. Howe and Miss Lewis, who, (although not mem-^ 
bcrs of my parish, are members of my church, and constantly 
attend my meeting.) / denied the charge in presence of brother 

*TKE CARD. 

A. NECc.SSARY CAUTION. 



•']|;Can sincernlr declnre,'^ ssirl that prrent and goorl man, Dr. Walts, in his pre- 
face to his Catechisms for ChiUiren, "that it is fai- iVom my design or my uith to 
exclude the Assembly's Catechism out of religious families; for if that should once 
he done, I have much reason to fear, in our age, there would scarce cnnie a beitev 
in the room of it." Wacts's Works, vol. 8. p 214. .Tci-. ri, 16, "77j?/s saith t/ifl- 
Lord, S; and ye in the ■wnyn, and ser, andaf^k for the oi'd pot lis, ii-hei^c is the gof'(^ 
tvay^ and -walk therein^ and ye shall find rest for your souls ^^ 



78 

Fierce. Had brother Field stated the circumstances I certainly 
should not have denied the charge. This being the true state 
of the case, I must leave it to you, brethren, and to the impartial 
to judge, whether, in this instance, I have been guilty of design^ 
edly practising the arts of decefition on our aggrieved brethren. 

As to the insinuation, in the articles of charge presented by 
the Parish Committee, that I meant to guard the first Parish 
against their Rev. Pastor, I can only say, that such an idea rever 
entered my mind; and I take this opportunity to observe that I 
have never endeavored, in a single instance, to wound the feel- 
ings or to injure the reputation of the Rev. Mr. Harris; but on 
the contrary, have uniformly manifested towards him that re- 
spect, esteem, and brotherly affection, which our situation as 
ministers of the same town requires. From him I have never 
heard any thing respecting the circulation of the cards, and had 
I an opportunity of an explanation, by a personal interview, I 
have no doubt I could easily convince him that I had not the 
least intention, however others might wish to represent it, to 
wound his sensibility or impair his usefulness. 

The second article of complaint, allcdged by the aggrieved 
brethren, is a want of charity in refusing to exchange with many 
of the ministers, who composed the council who ordained me, 
and who belong to the Boston Association, without giving any 
satisfactory reason. That I have not generally exchanged with 
the Rev. Gentlemen referred to, is true, but that I have ever 
pointedly refused to do it is not correct. I have uniformly said 
that I could not pledge myself to exchange rjith any man or a?iy 
body. of men whatever^ but I consider, that, so far as relates to 
any thing I have said, I am as much at liberty to exchange 
with either of those Gentlemen the next Sabbath, provided I 
could see it to be my duty, and provided they Avould be willing 
to exchange with me, as I was, the day I was ordained. 

With regard to this peculiarly delicate subject, I can, only 
say, that I have endeavored m my exchanges, as well as in 
every part of ministerial duty, to act conscientiously, and to 
conform to the principles contained in my confession of faith 
before the ecclesiastical council at my ordination. Unless I 
have violated these principles, either by my own preaching, or 
the preaching of others with whom I have exchanged, (for I 
consider every person ivho preaches in my pulpit, as for the 
iime, my representative) I cannot conceive that I have brokers 



79 

the contract, that subsists between us, or have given any just 
cause why I should be torn from a church and people, among 
whom I expected to spend my days. I am accused of want 
of charity. Charity is a word often used, but little understood. 
If I am deficient in this christian grace, I pray God to forgive 
me, and to shed abroad in my heart more of that true charity^ 
that love to God and man which is the fulfilling of the law. It 
is also objected to me, that I have not given a satisfactory reason 
for my conduct respecting Exchanges. I do not conceive 
I am bound to give any other reasons than I have given, nor 
do I think it would be proper. I wish not to cast any reproach 
whatever on my brethren in the ministry, however they may 
differ from me in religious opinions. I am perfectly willing 
to allow them the same liberty, I claim myself, of thinking 
and acting for themselves. Who am I that I should judge and 
condemn my brethren? To our own Master, we stand or fall; 
and at his bar we must give an account of our opinions, as well 
as our conduct. 

It is likewise objected by our aggrieved brethren and the 
parish committee, that my conduct tends to interrupt, if not 
wholly to destroy the fellov/ship of this church v/ith the neigh- 
boring churches. 

No one can more sincerely deprecate and lament such an evil 
than myself It always has been my endeavor and ardent desire, 
to live upon terms of friendship and communion with our sister 
churches; and it is well known that I have uniformly invited 
their members to our communion, and we have very recently 
admitted several, with recommendations from our sister chur- 
ches in this vicinity to the immediate watch and fellowship of 
this church.* 

It is well known that there is a diversity of religious 
sentiments in the congregational churches. My church were 
acquainted with my sentiments before my ordination, appro-ued 
of them^ and settled me in conformity to them. I am persuaded 
that there i.snootherdifference existing betv/een our church and 
the neighboring churches than what might naturally be expect- 
ed from that circumstance, and I solemnly declare that I have 
no wish, whatever, to separate my church from communion 
with our sister churches. 

* One from Rev. Dr. Porter's, and one from Rev. Mr. Bradford's churches m 
noxbury, Sept. 1811, • 



80 

ITie third article of charge alleged by the aggrieved breth- 
ren relates to my exchanging with some ministers who have 
been requested not to preach in the meeting house while the 
difl[iculties remain unsettled. This article of complaint, if made 
at all, should be applied to ministers who have thought proper 
to cxchaiige with me, contrary to the request of the parish, and 
not to me, as I have never been requested not to exchange v,ith 
those gentlemen. As the vote of the parish was directly calcu- 
lated) if not intended, to embarrass me, to deprive me of my re- 
sources, and to interfere with my rights and privileges, it surely 
cannot be thought surprising, if the gentlemen referred to, 
were willing to exchange with me, that I should be willing to 
exchange with them. But, although all these gentlemen would 
have exchanged with me, had I wished it, yet to manifest a 
spirit of mildness and conciliation I have exchanged witii only 
two of them for nearly a year: and an exchange with one of 
these two,* was agreed upon long before the passing of the par- 
ish vote. 

The fourth article of complaint alleged by the aggrieved 
brethren is— "Thai I have violated an express rule of Christj 
in refusing an aggrieved brother, when he requested it, an 
onportunity to tell me his grievances betv/een me and him 
alone, and likewise, when in conformity to the same rule of 
Christ, he took with him one or two more." If I have been 
o-Liilty of this charge, it was through mistake; and I am sincerely 
sorry for it, and am willing, in the presence of the Church to 
ask Brother Field's forgiveness. I will state the facts relative 
to this charge, and leave the committee and the church to 
kidp-e how tar I have offended. On Saturday morning, Aug, 
31st. brother Field called on me, in company with brother 
pierce, at my house; After some general conversation on the 
difficulties in the parish, brother Field requested me to retire 
into another room. As in the whole course of our difficulties I 
had cautiously avoided such kind of interviews, I observed to 
brother Field, that I had no secrets from my family, and thought 
it imnecessary to retire. During the vs'hole course of conversa- 
tion I do not recollect that brother Field said a word about my 
lefusing to take the first step with him, agreeably to the 18th, 
chapter of Matthew. I do solemnly declare, that I had not the 

*ReT. Mr. Huntington^ 



81 

most distant idea that such was the object of his visit. After 
requesting me to call a church meeting the next day, and prom- 
ising to send me an official request signed by several of the 
brethren^ he and brother Pierce withdrew. 

On the following Thursday brother Field called upon me 
again, in company with brother S. B. Lyon, and brother Isaac 
Withington. He then told me that, as I had Refused to take 
the first step, he had come agreeably to the direction of the 
Saviour to take the second, and wished me to retire v/ith his 
brethren for that purpose. I observed to him that, if it was his 
object to take the first step with me, when he was at my house 
before, I entirely misunderstood him, but that I was now per- 
fectly ready to retire with him alone according to the Saviour's 
rule. This he refused; and wished me to take the second step. 
I told him I thought it was improper, as, in my opinion, the 
first step had not been taken, and I was now willing to take it. 

I also expressed a doubt, (v/hether correct or not, I pre- 
sume not to say,) whether brethren Lyon and Withington were 
suitable persons to be witnesses, as they were of the same party 
with himself, and might be supposed to be prejudiced. 

This, as far as I can recollect, is a correct statement of 
facts; I again repeat, that in this, and in all things where it is 
possible I may bs %vrong I ask forgiveness of our aggrieved 
brethren. 

I have thus noticed the grievances of our aggrieved breth- 
ren. In respect to other matters of grievance, which may 
hereafter occur, I have never requested that they may not be 
presented to me. On the contrary, I view myself under th© 
watch and discipline of the church in common with every 
other member, and hope they will not neglect to consider me in 
that light. 

As our aggrieved brethren have requested us to endeavor to 
remove the articles of complaint presented by the parish com- 
mittee together with theirs, although I am of opinion that they 
are not regularly brought before tlie church, I am willing to 
endeavor to remove them, as far as lies in my power. 

The articles presented by the parish committee, not men- 
tioned or alluded to by the aggrieved brethren, are the following. 
First, "That I appoint and encourage lectures and religious 
meetings; and that they are so frequent, and held at such times 
and places, as to tend rather to diborder, and the interruption 
11 



82 

#f domestic union, comfort, and duties,'than to the promotion of 
the social virtues and genuine religion." 

To the first part of this charge I plead guilty. I certainly 
do appoint and encourage lectures and religious meetings. 
Soon after my settlement, I appointed a lecture on Tuesdays, 
which has been continued to the present time, and, in the opin- 
ion of many of the pious and good, has been attended with the 
happiest effects. 

I have also encouraged several prayer meetings, in different 
parts of the parish, and have done ail in my power to counte- 
nance and revive the young men's society, in this part of the 
town. When I come to lie on the bed of death I hope I shall 
have no greater sin to burden my conscience. As to the evil 
effects with which they have been attended, I have never wit- 
nessed any disorder, except what was made once or twice by 
inconsiderate or ill advised youth. 

The second article of charge, not mentioned by the aggrieved 
brethren, is, my unfeeling and unnatural conduct in attempting 
to prevent the neighbors and friends of Mr. Thomas Crehore 
from attending the funeral of his Son. In order to explain this 
unhappy affair I beg leave to lay before the committee the let- 
ters that have passed between Mr. Crehore and myself on the 
subject. 



Mr. Thomas Crthore's Letter to Rev. Mr. Coclman. 

Dorchester, Sept 14, 1810. 

Sir, Whatever conclusion you may draw, from my addressing 
you in this way, I assure you. Sir, that my motive is purely to 
be enabled to contradict a false report, if I have in anyway been 
instrumental in circulating one. And whatever opinion yo\i 
may have formed respecting my character, I know not; but can 
sincerely say that I have no wish to circulate any false, malicious, 
and scandalous reports to the injury of any person, and I d» 
disdain the very idea of fabricating falsehood. 

I have therefore taken this method to request you, and I have 
no hesitation in saying, that I presume you will, with great sat- 
isfaction and pleasure comply with my request, viz. It has been 
insinuated by some, and denied by others, that you did, on the 
evening, previous to my son's funeralj at the house of Mr. 



83 

Richard Trow, in the presence of Mr. Trow, his family, and 
a number of neighbors, request Mr. Trow, and others present, 
not to attend the funeral; and likewise threatened to leave them 
without a shepherd, if they did attend. 

Now, as this report has caused considerable dispute, I request 
your negation or affirmation to the same, which will enable me 
to set the thing in its true light, and prevent any farther con- 
troversy on the subject. 

Your immediate attention to this will much oblige your 
friend and very obedient humble servant, Thomas Crehore. 



Rev. Mr. Codman to Thomas Crehore. 

Dorchester, Sept. 14, 1810, 

Sir, I received your letter of this day, in answer to which I can 
only refer you to the circumstances attending your son's fune- 
ral, and leave it to you to judge, whether an application to a 
minister out of town,* to officiate on that occasion, and to one, 
with whom it was well known, I have not been in the habit of 
exchanging, was not directly calculated (I do not say intended) 
to wound my feelings. 

It is true that I did say to Mr. Trow, in the presence of seve- 
ral others, that my feelings were hurt, and that I hoped my 
friends would not allow the funeral to interfere with their 
attendance upon the lecture that day. 

More than this I have no recollection of saying. I certainly 
did not threaten to leave them without a shepherd if they did 
attend. 

And now. Sir, permit me to say that had you invited your 
own minister to have visited your son during his sickness, or to 
have attended his funeral, I should not have hesitated a moment 
in discharging my duty, notwithstanding the unpleasant circum- 
stances which had previously taken place. And permit me also 
to assure you, that I had no design of wounding your feelings by 
any thing I said to Mr. Trow, and that I sincerely regret if it has 
occasioned any painful uneasiness to you or your family; for 
nothing can be farther from the disposition of my heart, than to 
add to the distress which such a bereavement is calcvilated to 

• Rev. Mr. Buckminster. 



84 

excite; for I can truly say, that I bear no ill will to you or 
yours: but am now, and always shall be, ready, as far as lies in 
my power, to effect a good understanding between us, and 
shall always be happy to subscribe myself, your sincere well 
wisher and pastor, John Codman. 



I would here repeat what is there contained, that it was not my 
intention to Avound Mr. Crehore's feelings; and that, if I have 
unintentionally done it, / am sorry for it^ and ask his forgiveness. 

In the parish charges, mention is made of my endeavoring to 
prevent the customary tolling of the bell for a funeral, as an in- 
terference with my lecture. I am sorry to be obliged to say, 
that this is not correct. 

Mr. Mcintosh, the sexton, called on me to invite me to attend 
Mr. D. Leeds's funeral.* I told him, I should be happy to attend 
it, if it would not interfere with my lecture. He observed, that 
it would not; and at the same time he said, that he should be 
obliged to toll the passing bell during service time. I told him 
I was afraid this would be a great interruption to the lecture. 
He assured me he would hasten the funeral as much as possi- 
ble, so that the passing bell should toll before the lecture began. 
But if this should not be the case, that the bell would only toll 
from the time the funeral came%i sight, till it reached the four 
corners. This, he assured me, was the usual time. Contrary 
to this assurance, the bell toiled a much longer time than was 
usual, or than vras necessary. This circumstance has been 
magnified into a charge against m.e. With what propriety the 
impartial must judgel 

I am charged by the parish committee with disrespectful ob- 
servations towards some of my fathers and brethren in the min- 
istry. 

As the time and place, the Vk'ords and manner, the persons 
who heard me, and the persons spoken against, are not men- 
tioned in this article, it is impossible for me to answer it in its 
present form. I can only say in general, that nothing can be 
farther from my feelings, than to speak disrespectfully of my 
fathers and brethren in the ministry. - 

The last article produced by the parish committee, cannot I 
conceive be called an article cf charge against me, as it merely 

* Not in my Ouicia] eapaeitjs but as a meighbor. 



S5 

expresses i/icir opinion that, "vvbile my ministerial relation to 
them shall continue, there will be no prospect of the restoration 
of that harmony, peace, and brotherly love, v;hich have been so 
unhappily interrupted, Sec. 

No one can more ardently desire the restoration of harmony, 
peace, and bVotherly love than myself; and if the fault is ia 
me, I hope I shall soon be convinced of it. But, if it should be 
found in any, ivho have hicessantlij labored to increase the diffi' 
cullies^ to lessen the usefulness of their minister^ to take advan- 
tage of their onvn wrongs and to make it a filea in favor of hifi 
dismission^ I hope and trust I shall not be obliged to suffer for 
their conduct. For if such a principle was once admitted, the 
faithful ministers of Christ might soon expect to be torn from 
their churches and societies, to have their ministerial usefulness 
and happiness destroyed, and be deprived of the necessaries 
and comforts of life. 

I have thus considered the charges alleged against me, by the 
aggrieved brethren and the parish ctDmmittee. 

I again repeat, that it is my most ardent wish, to have our 
difficulties settled, and peace and tranquillity restored- But I 
cannot think that the methods which have been pursued, arc 
calculated to have this effect. 

If any thing can be done, brethren, to heal existing difficul- 
ties, and to restore peace, I shall be ready to make almost any 
sacrifices, consistent with the dictates of my conscience^ and. the 
doctrines of the gospel which I consider essential, to effect so 
desirable an object, and shall be happy to receive any proposition 
from you on the subject. 

I am, brethren, with sentiments of Christian affection, youi* 
friend and pastor, John Codman. 

Dorchester, Sept. 14, 1811. 



Continuation of the Report. 

After the letters referred to, which Mr. Codman handed to 
the committee, were read, we inquired of our aggrieved breth- 
ren, if what Mr. Codman had offered in his defence, and the 
acknov/ledgments he had made, were satisfactory; and whether 
their grievances were so far removed, that they v. ould forgive 
him agreeably to his request? 



86 

Brother Lyon answered they were no fiofies and could give 
no fiardons. 

It was then decided by a vote; by which it appeared they all 
remained dissatisfied, except brother Samuel B. Pierce, who did 
not vote on the occasion. 

Brother Isaac N. Field observed, he thought Mr. Codman 
was wrong in not conversing with him alone as he was request- 
ed, and was told it was according to rule, as he could prove by 
brother Samuel B. Pierce. 

Mr. Codman replied, he certainly should have conversed with 
his brother Field alone, if he had supposed he came to take the 
first step with him, according to the 1 8th chapter of Matthew; 
but that he expected he came to converse upon the general 
concerns of the parish, which were no secret, and did not even 
hear him mention the word rule, until he came the second time 
and explained his meaning, when he offered to converse with 
his brother Field alone, and he refused. 

Brother Samuel B. Pierce observed, that brother Field re- 
quested Mr. Codman to converse with him alone, but does not 
remember any thing was said about any rule, or the 18th chap- 
ter of Matthew. 

The aggrieved brethren observed, they did not consider 
cither the committee or the church had any right to try their 
case, and they did not mean to produce any evidence before 
them, as they had nothing to do with it. 

The committee replied, that the church they represented, and 
others of the same denomination, were independent churches, 
and had full power to hear and determine in all cases of com- 
plaint or censure, against an offending brother, which respected 
his character or good standing in the church, and so far as the 
Rev. Mr. Codman stood in that light, the church must decide. 

The committee did not consider the power was delegated to 
them, but were of opinion it was their duty to inquire into the 
complaints, and hear such evidence as they were pleased to 
produce; and in a spirit of meekness, love, and tenderness, to 
make a fair and candid representation to the church for their 
information; believing that such a spirit, though it might not 
accord with our feelings, ought to prevail among all parties, 
and in all proceedings in the church, who professedly take the 
precepts and example of Christ, for the rule of their faith and 
practice. Not to indulge or countenance sin and error which 
is manifest, and destructive to religion, and the peace and hap- 



87 

piness of society, but to regard the frailties and infirmities of 
human nature with an eye of candor, and a spirit of forgiveness, 
considering our own imperfections, and making all reasonable 
allowance for faults which are incident to all, The aggriev- 
ed brethren were then asked by the committee, whether they 
still believed that their brother Codman had designedly practised 
upon them the arts of deception? And the Rev. Mr. Codman 
asked the same question several times, and to several of the 
members in particular. 

Brother Lyon answered, there was the paper they had signed, 
that they considered the committee and a majority of the 
church to be partial to Mr. Codman, and had no right to decide 
in their case; and that they meant to have an impartial tribunal. 

The committee here observed, that neither they nor the 
church had volunteered their services; and what they had done, 
was in pursuance of the written request of their aggrieved 
brethren, and as a happy union had always prevailed in 
the church, and between the church and the parish, 
the committee would be very happy, if it could have re- 
tnained uninterrupted. But, as the principal cause of com- 
plaint against Mr. Codman, appeared to be in respect to his 
conduct in exchanging^ or not exchanging ministerial labors nvith 
the neighboring ministers, they inquired of their aggrieved 
brethren, whether they considered the right of deciding in that 
case was not vested in Mr. Codman? or whether the right was 
vested in him, and he exercised it injudiciously? 

Brother Lyon replied, they did not pretend to know the laws, 
nor the constitution; and declined answering the question; and 
said, he did not consider the committee or the church had any 
thing to do with it. 

The committee then requested the aggrieved brethren to de- 
cide by a vote, whether they wished the church to comply with 
their request, in calling a mutual council; and they voted unan- 
imously in the affirmative; but refused to propose any arrange- 
ments concerning it, until they saw the parish committee; and 
retired. 

We have no desire to make any comments unfavorable to 
our aggrieved brethren; but feel ourselves bound to say, that so 
far as brother Codman asked their forgiveness, they were bound 
to grant it, agreeably to the 18th chapter of Matthew, 21st and 
22d verses, and many similar texts of scripture, which we hope, 



88 

they will duly consider; and as freely and fully forgive, as they 
wish to be forgiven. 

The second church in Dorchester has, until now, been favored 
with peace and friendship among themselves, in all their pro- 
ceedings; but have undoubtedly witnessed \vith deep concern 
and regret, the evi! tendency of those contentions and disputes 
which have perplexed and afflicted some of the neighboring re- 
ligious societies, and that which has taken place in the parish 
to which we be Ion o*. 

o 

This we regard as "the pestilence that walketh in darkness, and 
the destruction that wasteth at noon-day," and requires the best 
of our abilities to alleviate and remove. 

We hope the things which now belong to our peace, will not 
be hid from our eyes; and that we shall suitably implore, and 
timely receive, the Divine aid and \'dsdom, to direct us in our 
distressing and unhappy contentions, and to lead us in the 
paths of peace. 

We ought to banish, as far possible, all prejudice and party 
feelings from our hearts and minds, and not be governed bv 
the influence or fear of man, but by a sacred regard to justice, 
and the examples of the Prince of peace, and the sacred doc- 
trines of his gospel; otherwise we shall be unworthy members 
of his church, and not deserve the name of Christians. We 
ought to guard agrdnst every measure which will violate the 
faith or control the conscience of those, who, from their con- 
struction of the holy scriptures, hold principles different from 
our own; esteeming it our duty equally to guard against the 
conspiracies of the few, or the overbearing influence of the many, 
knowing majorities, which in many cases must govern, may be 
wrong; not claiming however any power, but what is vested in 
us as a church of Christ. 

Deeply impressed with these sentiments, (and we hope) un- 
der the influence of these principles, we, with difiidence, nov/ 
proceed to inquire into the articleSjStated by our aggrieved breth- 
ren against our reverend pastor. 

The articles No. 1 and S, we consider are so similar, as to 
form but one in respect to exchanges-. ^Ve are extremely 
sorry, to find our aggrieved hrtihven fully believe that Mr. Cod- 
man has designedly practised upon them the arts of dec€jitio7i. 
We hope, on reflection and full information on the subject, they 
will have good reason, and a disposition, to change their minds. 



89 

The conclusion they draw from the instaiices they name, ap^ 
pears to be founded m mistake, or an overstrained and unnat- 
ural construction of his observations, when he said, (as they 
have been informed) that it was his determination to join the 
Boston association, with whom he expected to be on the most 
intimate terms of friendship: this, we apprehend, does not ne- 
cessarily imply, that he meant to exchange ministerial labors 
with all the Boston association, for there are some of them who 
never exchange with each other, and yet are on terms of friend- 
ship. 

As the principal difficulty seems to arise in consequence of 
his not exchanging with some ministers, and exchanging with 
others, what will be said, in this case_, if he is only exercising 
his own rights, and those who contend with so much zeal, reso- 
lution, and perseverance, are the invaders of those rights, and at 
the sauic time consider it (as it undoubtedly is) their duty to 
preserve and defend their own? 

It is generally, if not universally, allowed, that the right to 
decide, in respect to exchanges, is vested in the minister; and 
-if this principle is admitted, the question must be at rest:— And 
we find a large number in this parish, who have subscribed to 
that opinion, as will appear by their address to Mr. Codman at 
the time he was dismi-sed and sundry ministers requested not 
to preach in his pulpit, by a parish vote, Oct 22dj 1810.* 

We think we have reason to hope the fellowship of this 
church with our neighboring churches will not be destroyed. 
We have had no contention or misunderstanding with any of 
them; and the ministers of those churches (as our aggrieved 
brethren justly state) are in regular standino;, and highly re- 
spected, and have taken an interest in our welfare; and wc feel 
grateful to them for their labors of love. And if any of them, 
or any members of their churches, differ from our pastor or any 
of the members of our church, in thcolcgical sentiments, they 
have the same right to differ from us, as we have from them 
And it never ought to excite anger, or any unpleasant feelings 
between us; for contentions on such ground can never be ended 
or settled v;ith more satisfactio]i, than if they were in conse- 
quence of the diversity of forms and countenances which nature 
has given us. 

• See page 29, i,n which tlie parish Voted ^'that the cann^xio'r\ i^ttPeen t\'. 
^ev, J\£i\ Codman and them become evo'nr:" 

^9 



go 

The article No. 2, for circulating cards in the Rev. Mr. Har- 
ris's parish, we have considered. We see nothing in this card 
that can be considered derogatory or injurious to the Rev. Mr. 
Harris, or any caution to be aware of him. 

It was proposed the last year, to exclude the Assembly's Cat- 
echism from the schools in this town. Mr. Codman objected; 
though he approved of Dr. Watts's Catechism for young chil- 
dren, and made use of Dr. Watts's observations to prove the 
impropriety of the proposition. 

There was some difference of opinion on the subject, between 
Mr. Harris and Mr. Codman, but the question was amicably set- 
tled by the school committee, and the school-masters were 
directed "to hear the children in that catechism which they 
shall severally bring, with a written request from their parents." 

We have no reason to suppose but that the conduct of Mr. 
Codman has been fair and honorable in this case, and are too 
well acquainted with Mr. Harris to think otherwise of him. 
And, if by means of any misrefiresentation, or otherwise, he, or 
any of his church, have unpleasant feelings to us or our pastor, 
we hope they will be speedily removed, and that the friendship 
between us may be renewed and strengthened, and cease only 
with our existence. 

The article No. 4, against Mr. Codman for violating an ex- 
press rule of Christ, in refusing to converse with brother Field 
alone as an aggrieved brother, seems to result from a mistake 
which Mr. Codman was willing to rectify, and has fully explain- 
ed in his defence. 

In considering the grievances of our brethren of the church, 
we have necessarily taken notice of the articles of complaint 
No. 1, 2, 5, and 6 of the parish committee; they being of the 
same import with some of the articles of our aggrieved breth- 
ren; and though we have no disposition to interfere with the 
civil concerns of the parish, yet, as a failure in the church and 
Mr. Codman to remove the whole grievances of our brethren 
and the parish committee, is the ground on which the aggrieved 
brethren request the church to join in choosing a mutual 
council, we believe it our duty to inquire into their nature, 
magnitude, and extent. 

The 3d article for encouraging lectures and religious meet- 
ings, Mr. Codman acknowledges to be true, but denies the con- 
sequences; and considers it a part of his duty, and thinks much 
good has resulted from it; and the church are so well acquaint- 



91 

ed with all the circumstances as to render our observations 
unnecessary. 

With respect to the 4th article, for unfeeling and unnatural 
conduct in attempting to prevent the neighbors and friends o»^ 
Mr. Thomas Crehore, from attending the funeral of his son, &c. 
Mr. Codman denies part of the conversation which constitutes 
the crime, if it is one, and explains the other, and declares he 
had no intention of wounding the feelings of the distressed par- 
ent, and if he did, he acknowledges it was wrong, and asks hi& 
forgiveness. All which is more fully explained by the letters 
of Mr. Codman to Mr. Crehore and the church committee, to 
which we beg leave to refer.* 

Much conversation has been introduced on this article, and 
some accusations appear to have far exceeded the truth, and 
Mr. Codman being an elder and teacher in the church, it is 
proper we should bear in mind the injunction in the first of 
Timothy, 5th chapter, 1st and 19th verses, where it is written, 
** Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father;" and, "against 
an elder receive not an accusation but before two or three wit- 
nesses." 

The 7th article, for disrespectful observations toward some 
of his fathers and brethren in the ministry, if true, may be high- 
ly reprehensible, but it is so indefinite in all respects, that no 
person could be prepared to answer it, or know its extent, or 
who was injured; and we feel ourselves justified in saying, it 
appears to us improper and inadmissible in its present form. 

The 8th article states, that while Mr. Codman's ministerial 
relation to us shall continue, there will be no prospect of the 
restoration of harmony, peace, and brotherly love which has 
been so unhappily interrupted. Sec. 

This we conceive, cannot be considered an article' of charge 
against Mr. Codman, as it merely expresses the opinion of the 
parish committee. 

If it is the resolution and determination of any of this society ^^ 
that fieace shall not return^ we sincerely lament it. It surely 
ought not to be considered an article of charge against our pastor^ 
nor be urged as a reason why he should be dismissed; nor do we 
consider it reasonable or fit that Mr. Codman should be obliged 
to submit to an ecclesiastical council, an article of so indefinite 
a nature, and such unlimited extent, and which does not aifect 
his ministerial character. 

• See pages 82, 83. 



9£ 

If he is to be dismissed, it ought to be for his own crimes 
and misdemeanors by ivhich he has forfeited his ministerial char- 
acter, and not for the crimes of others; for nothing can be more 
tinreasonable or unjust, than to allow any to take advantage of 
their own nvrong to the injury of the innocent. 

If the aggrieved brethren and the parish committee wish for 
a mutual council, it is expedient that they and Mr. Codman 
should agree on the terms; and we are of opinion, that the prin- 
ciples on which he has offered to unite, are reasonable and just, 
and do not apprehend there will be much difficulty in making 
the choice and the necessary arrangements. 

But as ecclesiastical councils are attended with much expense, 
and sometimes unfortunately increase the irritation which is al- 
ready too obvious; we ought seriously to consider, whether it 
will be attended with any good effect. 

Mr. Codman made known his sentiments and faith in the 
doctrines of the gospel previous to his ordination, and they met 
the general approbation of all concerned, and, it is not pretend- 
ed that he has deviated from them; yet, we are now divided and 
distressed with feuds and animosities; and who will deny that it 
is in a great measure owing to a diversity of opinions among 
purselves. 

An ecclesiastical council, if they were disposed, cannot sep- 
arate Mr. Codman from his friends and pastoral relation to this 
church, unless he has really forfeited his ministerial character; 
and his friends will undoubtedly avail themselves of the advan- 
tages they fairly possess. 

A large number of them stated in their address to him the 
22d of April last, "that it is their determination to support their 
pastor, so long as he shall continue to sustain his present char- 
acter as a minister of the gospel, and give no other occasion of 
complaint, than that which is alleged against him by those, 
■who now wish to dissolve the compact, so recently, solemnly, 
and unanimously made between him and the people of his 
charge. 

Unless the parties are disposed to meet each other on terms 
of conciliation, and make some sacrifices for the sake of peace, 
they must be deprived of much of the happiness of life, and 
contention may be entailed to m.any yet unborn. 

Mr. Codman's salary is not his inducement to preach the gos- 
pel. He has frequently observed, he was willing to make 
almost any sacriiices which are consistent, and in his power, tP 



§3 

promote peace and harmony in his parish; and his compliance 
with our proposition is a proof of his sincerity, as it will operate 
as a relinquishment of about half his salary, and possibly much 
more, for the benefit of his hearers. 

Which proposition, together with his answer, we beg leave 
to lay before the churchy hoping we shall yet know how good 
and how pleasant it is for brethren to live together in unity. 

But whatever differences may exist in our church and other 
societies on earth, they must be to many of us of short duratioriy 
and are of no importance, when we consider the glory which will 
be revealed to those who may be united in the church of the first- 
born in heaven. Stephen Badlam, Eben. Withington, 
Joseph Clap, jr. John Capen, jr. 
Joseph Clap. Comm, of the Second Church, 



The Church Committee to Rev. Mr. Codman respect- 
ing his SALARY. 

Dorchester, Sept. 15th, 1811. 

Dear Sir, As you have often expressed your desire to restore 
and continue peace and harmony in your parish by every means 
in your power, and that you was willing to make almost any 
sacrifices, exce/it of your conscience^ and the doctrines of the 
^osfiel which you consider essential; 

We therefore, a committee of the church, appointed 'Ho 
attempt to remove and terminate the existing difficulties and 
grievances of some of our brethren, and restore peace and union 
in the church and society," being of opinion, that the reduc- 
tion of your salary upon some equitable principle, would have a 
tendency to promote this desirable object, make the following 
proposition for your consideration; 

That, after the present year, your parish shall raise such 
a sum as" shall make the taxes equal on the polls and 
estates of persons in this parish, to the taxes, which, for the 
same year, in future, may be assessed in the first parish in this 
town to pay the Rev.Mr.Harris's salary, or any other minister they 
may have, and the other common expenses; and, after the payment 
of the common and usual expenses in your parish, not exceed- 
ing one hundred dollars annually, the remainder, together with 
such sums as your parish shall he entitled to receive, for tlicir 



94 

proportion of the ministerial property and funds, and of the non- 
resident taxes, to be received by you, instead of your stated 
salary agreed upon at the time of your settlement. 

We are sensible that this arrangement will lessen your salary 
to a large amount, and perhaps far beyond our intentions; but if 
it does not meet your approbation, any reasonable proposition 
you .please to make will be taken into consideration, and proba- 
bly will be accepted by the parish. 

With true Christian regards, we are your humble servants, 
Stephen Badlam, Eben. WithingtCn, 
Joseph Clap, jr. John Capen, 
Joseph Clap. 

Attest John Co dm an. 



Rev. Mr. Codmari^s Answer. 

Messrs. Stefihen Badlam^ Ebenezer Withington^ Josefih Clafi^jr. 
John Cafien^ jr. Josefih Clap.. 

Dorchester, Sept. I6th, 1811. 

Gentlemen, I received your note of the l5th of September, 
containing a proposition respecting the reduction of my salary. 

It is true I have expressed my desire to restore and continue 
peace and harmony in my parish, by every means in my power; 
and have repeatedly said, that I was willing to make almost 
any sacrifices (except of my conscience^ and the doctrines of the 
gosfiel which I consider essential.) 

It seems, gentlemen, that it is your opinion that the reduc- 
tion of my salary, upon some equitable principle, might have ^ 
tendency to promote this desirable object- 

From the great respect and esteem which I have so long en- 
tertained towards you, and from the confidence I have in your 
judgment and advice, I cannot but think, that your proposition 
is founded in a disinterested regard to the best interests of our 
church and society, and to my personal comfort and happiness. 
Although I am justly entitled to the salary upon which I was 
settled, and am clearly of opinion "that the laborer is worthy of 
his hire," yet, I am not insensible to the pecuniary embarrass- 



95 

ments which my people must experience, owing to our present 
unhappy difficulties. 

I do not wish to lay upon them a burden heavier than they 
are able to bear, for if I know my own heart, I did not enter the 
ministry from worldly motives, nor did I settle over this people 
from a desire of gain. 

I trust I can say with the apostle "I will not be burdensome 
to you, for I seek not yours, but you." 

Although my salary may be greatly diminished by complying 
with your request, yet I shall have the satisfaction of knowing, 
that my people are not distressed for my support; a satisfaction, 
which, to my mind, is much superior to the pleasure to be de- 
rived from thousands of gold and silver. For notwithstanding 
all the uneasiness in my parish, I sincerely love my people, and 
there is nothing that I am not ready to do, to promote their 
comfort and happiness, temporal and spiritual, consistently with 
the dictates of my conscience. 

1 am ready, therefore, and I do hereby comply with your re- 
quest, and am willing, from the first of January, 1812, to relin- 
quish annually such amount of my stated salary, as may meet 
the object proposed by you in your communication to me under 
date of the 1 5th instant. I am, gentlemen, with sentiments of 
respect and Christian affection, your friend and pastor. 

John Codman. 

Voted, That the meeting of the church be dissolved. 



Rev. Mr. Codmanto T. Tlleston, Esq. 

Dear SIr, In my last note I promised to inform you of the re- 
sult of the church meeting. 

The committee reported yesterday, *<That if the aggrieved 
brethren, and the parish committee wish for a mutual council 
it is expedient that they and Mr. Codman should agree upon 
the terms, and are of opinion that the principles on which he 
has offered to unite are reasonable and just," which report was 
accepted. 

I wish to know, prievous to entering upon the subject of a 
council, whether it is your intention that the articles of complaint 
presented by the aggrieved brethren be submitted toother 



96 

with these presented by the parish committee to a council. 
I am, Sir and gentlemen of the committee, your friend and 
pastor. John Codman. 

Thursday Morniog, 19th. Sept. 1811: 



y T, Tileston, Esq. to Rev, Mr. Codman. 

Dorchester. Sept. 20th, 1811. 

Rev. Sir, Your note of yesterday was received; as soon as the 
aggrieved members of the church, and the parish committee 
can be convened you shall know their result. I am. Rev. Sir, 
yours respectfully Thomas Tileston. 

Kev, Mr. Codman. 



T. Tileston, Esq. to Rev. Mr. Codman. 

Dorchester, Sept. 23d, 1811. 

Rev. Sir, Conformable to my note of the 20th. instant 
I have laid before the parish committee, and the aggrieved 
members of the church your last note. 

"You wish to know previous to entering upon the subject of 
a council, whether it is our intention, that the articles of com- 
plaint, presented by the aggrieved brethren, be submitted 
together with those presented by the parish committee to a 
mutual council." 

The aggrieved members have agreed to submit them togeth- 
er with those of the Parish committee. 

The committee had every reason to believe that after the re- 
port of the church committee, you would have given a decided 
answer, as it respects calling a council, as will appear by your 
note August 7th, where you say, "I have already^ stated to you 
my willingness to joiii in the choice of a mutual council, on 
fair principles, and only wait for the result of the said committee 
which will be made known without delay after it is received." 

It has never been contemplated by the committee to estab- 
lish any new principle in calling a council, but what they have 
repeatedly stated to you on the subject of calling a mutual 



97 

Gi5uncil, they have ever thought to be their right, if so they 
will not relinquish it by any act of theirs. 

Should any new articles of complaint, or grievances arise' 
between this time and the sitting of the council, the aggrieved 
members of the church in conjunction with the parish commit- 
tee, are perfectly willing to submit to the decision of the coun- 
cil, the propriety or impropriety, of having the same laid before 
them. 

The committee once more renew their request, contained 
in the last paragraph of their note of August 4th. 

I am, Rev. Sir, in behalf of the committee, Sec. yours respect^ 
fully . Thomas Tileston, C/iairman. 



Rev, Mr, Codman to T. Tileston, Esq, 

iDear Sir, Your note of the 23d instant was received last even-'' 
ing, by which I perceive that the aggrieved brethren intend to 
submit their articles of complaint together with those of the 
parish committee to a mutual council. 

I have frequently stated to you that I was perfectly willing to 
\inite in a mutual coxmcil on fair firinci files. 

I have Uniformly entertained the opinion that all the articles 
of complaint to be submitted to a reference civil or ecclesiasti- 
cal, ought to be known to the defendant before he agrees to 
the reference, as the variation of complaints might alter his 
opinion as to the expediency of agreeing to a reference, and. 
might vary his choice of persons to whom the reference is t© 
be made. 

I am persuaded, Sir, and gentlemen of the committee, that 
were your characters to be attacked, with a view to deprive 
you of the stations you respectively hold in society, you would' 
never agree to submit the subject to referees, without first 
knowing the nature and extent of the charges to be brought 
against you, and can you, ought you to expect that I should 
consent to be tried for my reputation, which is dearer to me 
than my life; and for my standing in the church, and pastoral 
relation to my people, which I have a right to expect to retain 
as long as my ministerial character remains unstained, and the 
aontract that subsists between us inviolate on my part, without 



9S 

first knowing every article of complaint to be brought against 
me. I have no wish to deprive you of an opportunity of bring- 
ing any new articles of complaint or grievances against me, but 
I am willing you should take as much time as you please to 
complete your list of articles, and when it is completed, but 
not before, I am willing to submit it to a mutual council. 

In entertaining these views I have no desire to establish a 
new principle in calling a council, the only principle I wish to 
establish, is a principle of justice, which I consider as guaran- 
teed to me by the constitution. 

With regard to the charges, already exhibited by the aggriev- 
ed brethren and the parish committee, I am ready to submit 
them to a mutual council. 

The 8th article in your letter of the 4th. instant, doth not 
appear to me to be an article of charge, as it nierely expresses 
the opinion of the committee, that while my ministerial relation 
shall continue, there will be no prospect of the restoration of 
harmony, peace, and brotherly love, Sec. as this is merely the 
opinion of the committee, an opinion, too, which may be found- 
ed on their own determination y that fieace shall not be restored as 
lo7ig as I contviue their minister, I cannot conceive that I am 
bound to submit it to the decision of an ecclesiastical council. 

If I must be dismissed, it must be /or something I have done, 
and not for what others have do7ie,it must be because I have for- 
feited my ministerial and christian character^ and violated my 
contract, and no? because a number of my society have determined 
that there shall be no peace as long as I stay. 

You must perceive, gentlemen, that if such a principle was 
once adopted, there would be no security whatever to the min- 
isterial office, and a spirit of confusion, anarchy, and disorder 
would soon spread like the devouring flame through our relig- 
ious societies. 

A minister, (except in particular cases when there is a spe- 
cial contract to the contrary) holds this office for life or during 
good behavior. He may be impeached for mal-conduct before an 
ecclesiastical council and deposed. 

I am perfectly willing, (and as my reputation for sincerity 
and truth, has been assailed,) I am desirous to have my charac- 
ter and conduct, fully and strictly, scrutinized and investigated 
by a mutual council. 



99^ 

If it should appear, that I have so far forfeited my ministerial 
character or violated my contract as to render it necessary tha£ 
I should be dismissed, I shall abide the result; if not, I shall 
not very readily consent to be separated from a church and peo- 
ple vj^hom I love, and many of whom have declared 'Hheir de- 
termination to sufifLort me as their pastor as long as I shall con- 
tinue to sustain viy present character as a minister of the gos/iel.** 

Upon these principles, which I conceive to be perfectly rea- 
sonable and just, I am ready, at any time, to unite in a mutual 
council. I am, Sir and gentlemen, &c. &c. John Codman. 

Dorchester, Tuesday, September 24th, 1811. 



T. Tilestorij Esq. to Rev. Mr. Codman. 

Dorchester, September 25th, 1811. 

Rev. Sir, Your note of yesterday was received this afternoon 
After a correspondence of nearly three months, on the impor- 
tant subject of calling a mutual council, the aggrieved mem- 
bers of the church and the parish committee view with regret 
your determination not to join them on principles, which they 
believe to be perfectly just; should they however, be mistaken 
in this opinion, they are willing to submit it to th© decision of 
the council, as heretofore stated. 

Your note would admit of many comments, but the patience 
of the committee, 8cc. being exhausted with the lengthy discus- 
sion already had, think proper to dispense with troubling you 
any further on this important subject as it respects that partic- 
ular point. 

I am, Rev. Sir, requested to inform you, that the aggrieved 
members of the church, together with the parish committee, 
will meet at the south meeting-house in Dorchester, on Monday 
the 30th instant, at So'clock, in the afternoon, for the purpose of 
choosing a council, at which time and place, they again renew 
their request that you meet them, and join in agreeing upon ^ 
mutual ecclesiastical council, to hear, and act upon existing dif- 
ficulties between you and your society. 

In case you do not meet them, they will consider you as un^ 
reasonably refusing to join them in calling a mutual council, 
^md will proceed agreeably to the parish vote, in calling an ex- 



100 

parte council. I am, Rev. Sir, in behalf of the aggrieved 
members and the parish committee, yours respectfully, 

Thomas Tileston, Chairman. 

N. B. Should you incline to meet us, if any early day would 
be more convenient, it would be as agreeable to the committeci 



Rev. Mr, Codman, to T. TilesiQn, Esq. 

I RECEIVED your note of the 25th instant, in which you state, 
that the aggrieved members and the parish committee intend 
meeting at the south meeting-house in Dorchester, on Monday 
at 3 o'clock, P. M. to choose a council, and request me to attend- 
I have always stated to you the principles upon which I was 
willing to unite in a mutual council, and am sorry they do not 
meet your approbation. Being confident however that they 
are perfectly reasonable and just, I thought it my duty to state 
jthem in the clearest manner in my last note. 

It seems that there is a difference of opinion between the 
committee and myself respecting the propriety of bringing for- 
ward articles of charge, between the choice and the sitting of 
the council. 

I feel disposed to do every thing in my power towards unit- 
ing in a council; and, although I remain of the same opinion as 
formerly, yet I am willing to wave the question of introducing 
any new articles of charge against me, between the choice and 
sitting of the council, until their meeting, reserving- to myself 
the right ofrem,onstrating against it. 

I trust that this concession on my part will convince you. Sir, 
and gentlemen of the committee, that I am not only ready but 
desirous to unite with you in a mutual council. 

It will not be in my power to meet you as proposed, as I ex- 
pect the pleasure of seeing the Association at my house at the 
time appointed for your meeting. 

I will however make the following propositions for your con- 
sideration, viz. 

That the council consist of ten or twelve Churches. Five or 
six to be chosen by me, and five or six by you, that each Church 
5hall be requested to send their pastor and one delegate, and that 
no business shall be transacted without the consent of both pas:- 
|ies, unless all the ministers and delegates are present. 



101 

As to the time for the sitting of the council, I leave it to you 
to propose it. 

I would suggest, however, the propriety of giving time for 
ministers at a considerable distance to assemble, as the council 
may perhaps be composed of such; as they may be thought more 
impartial than those in the immediate vicinity. 

Should you think proper to propose any farther arrangements 
you will be kind enough to give me information. 

I am. Sir, and gentlemen of the ccrmmittee, with due respect, 
your friend and Pastor, John Codman. 

Saturday, 28th September^ 1811. 



Dorchester, Sept. 30th, 1811. 

Dear Sir, Your note of the 28th instant was received this' 
morning. 

The committee would have rejoiced had you, agreeable to 
their request, appointed a tim.e when you would have met them, 
and completed the business which they have so ardently wish.- 
ed for. 

It appears by your note that you leave it with the committee 
to appoint the time and place when the business is to be accom= 
plished. 

They therefore state to you (knowing your engagement tox 
morrow) that it will be agreeable to them, to meet you on 
Wednesday next (if so to you) at three o'clock in the afternoon, 
at the south meeting house in Dorchester, with as many of your 
friends as you think proper, to agree upon calling a mutual 
council. The committee suggest this mode as the most expe- 
dient, as it will save much time and trouble, both to yourself and 
them, as some questions may arise that maybe immediately set- 
tled by a personal interview, and be a mean of bringing to an 
issue an affair which must be so desirable both to minister aixl 
people. 

I am, Rev. Sir, in behalf of the committee, yours respectful- 
lyj Thomas Tileston, Chairmoiii. 



102 

Mr. Codman, with several of his friends, accordingly met the 
parish committee, agreeably to their request, at the south meet- 
ing house, on Wednesday afternoon, 2d of October, when the 
following propositions were presented by Mr. Codman, which 
were accepted as preliminaries to calling a council. 

I am willing to unite in a mutual council, "ro hear and deter- 
mine ufion certain articles of charge presented againat me by the 
aggrieved members of the church and the parish committee." 

I am willing to wave the question respecting introducing any 
new articles of charge between the choice and sitting of the 
council till their meeting, reserving to myself the right of re^ 
monstrating against it. 

I propose that the council consist of ten or twelve churches. 

Five or six to be chosen by the aggrieved brethren and the 
parish committee, and five or six by me. 

That each church be requested to send their pastor and a del- 
egate, and if any pastor or delegate be prevented from attends 
ing, the council shall direct in what manner the vacancy shall 
be supplied or equality be restored. 

As to the time of the sitting of the council, I shall agree to 
any you propose, not less than a month from the time the letters 
are sent. 

You may choose your churches if you please and let me know 
them, or if you please, you may choose them without my knowl- 
edge, and I will do likewise. 

Letters missive to be sent, in the name of the pastor, the ag- 
grieved members of the church, and the parish committee, to 
certain churches, requesting their attendance by their pastor and 
a delegate, at Dorchester, on such a day, "/o hear and determine 
ufion certain articles of charge presented by the aggrieved breth' 
ren and the parish committee against their pastor.*^ 

There is nothing now wanting but to agree upon a day, each 
party to choose their churches, and to send the letters. 

After having fixed the day and the number of the churches, 
if you will delegate tv/o of your members, one to sign in behalf 
of the aggrieved members of the church, and one in behalf of 
the parish committee, to unite with me in drafting the letters, 
the business can be completed without delay. 

Mr. Codman agreed to meet one of the parish committee, and 
one of the aggrieved brethren at his house on Friday afternoon, 
the 4th instant, to unite with them in the choice of the churches 
to form the council, and to write the letters missive." 

The above propositions were tmanimously agreed to, 



103 

They accordingly met, when the following churches were 
agreed upon, and the following letter missive signed by both 
parties. 

Dr. Prentiss, of MedfieJd. Rev. Mr. Bancroft,Worcester, 

Dr. Lyman, of Hatfield. Dr. Kendall, of Weston. 

Dr. Reed, of Bridgewater. Dr. Austin, of Worcester. 

Rev. Mr. Elliot, of Watertown. Dr. Morse, of Charlestown. 
Rev. Mr. Greenough, of Newton. Rev. Mr. Thayer, Lancaster. 
Rev. Mr. Thacher, of Dedham. Dr. Worcester, of Salem. 



Letter Missive, 

Dorchester, October 4th, 1811, 

To the Church of Christ in under the pastoral 

care of greeting. 

Rev. and Beloved, We, the undersigned, request your attend- 
ance by your pastor and a delegate, in ecclesiastical council, at 
Mr. E. Thayer's, in Dorchester, on Wednesday, 30th of Octo- 
ber, at 9 o'clock, "to hear and determine on certain articles of 
charge presented by certain aggrieved brethren of the church 
and the parish committee against their pastor." 

Wishing you grace, mercy, and peace, we remain with senti» 
ments of respect and Christian regard, 

John Codman, Pastor. 
Ebenezer Davenport, 
In behalf of the aggrieved members of the church, 
Thomas Tileston, 
In behalf of the parish committee. 



Church Meeting. 

At a meeting of the Second Church in Dorchester, October 1 Uliy 
1811, after lecture, In consequence of the following request. 

^ Dorchester, October Uth, 1811, 

Rev. John Codman, 

Sir, As an ecclesiastical councU is called, in pursuance of a 

vete of the parish, with which the church in Dorchester unde^' 



104 

your pastoral care are materially concerned, and the result df 
which may be to you and to them very important, 

We request you to desire the church to stop after lecture oa 
Friday next, to determine what they will do concerning it. 
James Baker, Joseph Clap, 
Joseph Clap, jr. John Capex, jr. 

Voted, That Deacon Stephen Badlam, Brother John Capen. 
jr. and Brother Joseph Clap, be a committee "to consider what 
measures are expedient for th*^ church to take respecting the 
ecclesiastical council which is to be convened on the 30th in- 
stant, to hear and determine on certain articles of charge pre- 
sented against the pastor of ihis churchy by the committee of the 
second parish in this toivn^^^ and to report at the adjournment. 

The meeting was then adjourned to Tuesday the 15th inst. 
afier lecture. John Codman, Clerk. 



At a meeting of the Second Church in Dorchester, Oct. 22d, 
according to adjournment. The committee chosen October 
11th made the following report. 

"Pursuant to a vote of the Second Church in Dorchester of 
October 11th, 1811, The committee appointed to consider what 
measures are expedient for tlie church to take respecting the 
ecclesiastical council, which is to be convened on the 30th in- 
stant, ^^to hear and determine on certain articles of charge pre- 
aeJited against the pastor of this church-, by the committee of the 
^^econd parish in this tonvn^^ are of opinion, that, as the church 
have never been requested by the parish or their committee to 
concur in the vote of the parish, it is not intended by them to 
trouble us on the subject. But out of respect to the venerable 
council and our reverend pastor, we recommend that the church 
choose a committee to answer any questions which the council 
think proper to ask, and make such communications as may be 
found expedient. 

Stephen Badlam,-| ^^^^^.^^ ^^ ^j^^ 
John Capen, jr. ^^.^^^^ Church. 
JOSEPH Clap, J 
D.orehester, October 22d, 1811. 

The above report was unanimously accepted, and the follow- 
ing brethren chosen a committee for the purpose therein ex- 
pressed, viz. 



105 

Deacon Stephen Badlam, Brother John Capen, jr, 

t)eacon Ebenezer Withington, Brother Joseph Clap, 
Deacon Joseph Clap, jr. Brother Nathaniel Swift, 

Brother Doctor James Baker, Brother Lemuel Withingtoiij 
Brother Jonas Tolman, Brother Samuel Capen, jr. 

Brother Edward Sharp. 

The meeting was then adjourned to Wednesday, the 30th in- 
stant, at ten o'clock, A. M. 
Attest, John Codman, Clerk. 

N. B. Some questions were asked of the committee above 
named, which were chiefly answ^ered by shewing the church re= 
cords to the venerable council. 



Thomas Tileston, Esq. to Rev. Mr. Codman. 

Rev. Sir, The committee at a late meeting, reviewing their ar- 
ticles of complaint against you, have thought proper to expunge 
from the list, t/ye third reason offered, why they wish for a sep- 
aration; accordingly it will not be brought against you. 

I am. Rev. Sir, in behalf of the committee, yours respectful- 
ly, Thomas Tileston, Chairman. 

Monday Morning, October 28th, 1811. 



RESULT OF COUNCIL 



Dorchester, Ootober 30th, 1811. 

In pursuance of letters missive from the Rev. John Codman; 
Pastor of the Second Church in this place, and some aggrieved 
members of the church, together with the parish, "/o hear and 
determine on certain articles of charge presented against the fias" 
tor,''' the following Elders and Messengers assembled at the 
house of Mr. Ezekiel Thayer. 

Medfield, Rev. Thomas Prentiss, D. D. 
Brother Artemas Woodward. 

Hatfield, Rev. Joseph Lyman, D. D. 
Brother Isaac MaUby, 

14 



106 

Bridgcwater, Rev. John Reed, D. D. 

Brother Simeon Keith. 
' Watertown, Rev. Richard R. Eliot. 

Deacon Moses Coolidgc. 
Newton, Rev William Greenough. 

Deacon Joseph Adams. 
Dedham, Rev. Thomas Thacher. 

Deacon John Richards. 
Worcester, Rev. Aaron Bancroft, D.D. 

Brother Joseph Allen. 
Weston, Rev. Samuel Kendall, D. D. 

Brother Nathan Hagar. 
Worcester, Rev. Samuel Austin, D. D. 

Brother Moses N. Child. 
Charlestown, Rev. Jedidiah Morse, D. D. 

Brother Jeremiah Evarts. 
Lancaster, Rev. Nathaniel Thayer. 

Brother Ebenezer Torrey. 
Salem, Rev. Samuel Worcester, D. D. 

Brother John Punchard. 

The Council formed by choosing the Rev. Dr. Prentiss, INIod- 
erator; Rev. Mr. Thayer and Rev. Dr. Worcester, Scribes. 

The Rev. Moderator led the Council in an address to the 
throne of Divine grace for assistance and direction. 

The parties were then admitted, by vote, to appear before the 
council and make their communications. After receiving such 
statements as the parties thought proper to make, relating to 
the manner of calling the council, proceeded to the following 
declarations. 

As it has been made a question, whether this council has been 
convened in conformity to the principles and usages of our 
churches; 

Voted, That although the course of proceeding Avas such, 
that the Church did not judge it advisable to be a paity in call- 
ing a Council, but only voted, "that if the aggrieved brethren 
and the committee of the parish wish for a mutual council, it is 
expedient that they and Mr. Codnian should agree upon th^ 
terms; and are of opinion, that the principles on which he has 
offered to unite ai'e reasonable and just:" yet this council may 
be considered as mutual between the Rev. Mr. Codman on the 
one part, ajid the aggrieved members of the church with the 



107 

parish on the other, and is duly authorized to proceed to the 
business, prescribed in the letters missive. 

In reference to a proposal made to the council respecting the 
admission of advocates, it was voted, that, although in the opin- 
ion of this council, it is not expedient, in ordinary cases, to ad- 
mit legal advocates before ecclesiastical bodies, yet, under ex- 
isting circumstances, the council consent that the two gentle- 
men proposed as advocates in the present case, on the part of 
the aggrieved members of the church, and the parish: viz. the 
Hon. Mr. Dexter, and Mr. Parsons, be admitted. The Rev. 
Mr. Bates was also admitted as an advocate for the Rev. Mr. 
Codman; and, at a subsequent stage of the business, at the par- 
ticular request of the friends of the Rev. Mr. Codman, Mr. Da- 
vis, the solicitor-general was admittejd as an advocate for them. 

The preliminaries being settled, the council went into the 
hearing and consideration of the matters submitted by the par- 
ties, and continued by adjournments until Thursday, 7th of No- 
vember. Upon the several articles of charge exhibited against 
the Rev. Mr. Codman, the council, in the course of their pro- 
ceedings, passed as follows: 

Voted, 1. That the charge oi intentional decefition^ as stated 
in the first specification of the aggrieved brethren has not been 
sufifiorted. 

2. That the charge of intentional deception^ as stated in the 
second specification of the same article has not been siififiorted. 

3. That the charge of having -violated an exfiress rule of 
Christ, in refusing an aggrieved brother an opfiortunity to tell his 
grieva?ices, as stated in the fourth article of the aggrieved breth- 
ren, ^a* not been sufi/iorted; although it appears, that the Rev. 
Mr. Codman and brother Field misunderstood each other in the 
attempt to take the first step. 

4. That the charge of unfeeling and unnatural conduct, as 
stated in the third article of the parish, zs wo? 5z^y2/2or/'ec^; as it ap- 
pears, that the interference of tire Rev. Mr. Codman, in the ten- 
der obsequies of a funeral, was made under peculiar circumstan- 
ces; and that his subsequent explanations ought to be consider^ 
ed as satisfactory. 

5. That the circulation of a card by the Rev. Mr. Codman^ in 
the town of Dorchester, alluded to in the fourth article of the 
charges of the parish, was an indiscreet and improper act,* al- 

*Foran explanation of the circumstances, attending the circulation oTthe Card, 
the reader is respectfully referred to Kev. Mr. Cedman's Defence, pages 76, ?7. 



108 

though it is not firoved^ that there ivas an evil or unchristian de^ 
sign in the transaction. 

6. That as the parties who brought forward articles third of 
the aggrieved brethren, and sixth of the parish, deemed them 
unimfiortant^ this council consider them as virtually withdrawn. 

The following motion was then submitted to the consideration 
of the council. 

"That in the opinion of this council, the aggrieved brethren 
and the majority of this parish, have just cause of complaint 
against the Rev. Mr. Codman for having neglected to exchange 
ministerial labors with the ministers of the Boston Association, 
generally, as presented in the second article of the aggrieved 
brethren, and in the first article of the committee of the parish." 

Upon this motion the council divided by yeas and nays as 

f0^QWS. 

Yeas. Nays. 

John Reedy Thomas Prentiss^ 

Simeon Keith, Artemas Woodward j 

Richard R. Eliot, Joseph Lyman, 

Moses Coolidge, Isaac Maltby, 

Thomas Thacher, William Greenough^ 

John Richards, Joseph Adams, 

Aaron Bancroft, Samuel Austin, 

Joseph Allen, Moses N. Child, 

Samuel Kendall, Jedidiah Morse, 

Nathan Hagar, Jeremiah Evarts, 

Nathaniel Thayer, Samuel Worcester, 

J^benezer Torrey, John Punchard. 

This council, at the conclusion of our result, feel it to be our 
duty to declare, that we have, as we trust, attended with patience 
and impartiality to the statements, evidence, and pleas, which 
have been presented to us by the parties in this controversyj 
and, though unable to decide on the last question, which came 
^efore us, yet we deeply sympathize with the pastor, church, and 
congregation, under their present unhappy divisions; and unit- 
edly recommend to them "the things which make for peace, and 
things wherewith one may edify another.- 

In this imperfect state a difference of opinion, on religious 
subjects, is to be expected. It is then the duty of Christian 
brethren, to "keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace." 
We do, therefore, earnestly recommend to all concerned, that in 
the maintenance pf what may be deemed their Christian and 



109 

Civil rij^bts,they preserve a condescending, mild, peaceable, and 
charitable disposition. Love as brethren. Be pitiful. Be cour- 
teous. Live in peace. And may the God of peace delight to 
dwell with you and bless you. 

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirits- 
Amen. 

The acceptance of this result was unanimous. 

THOMAS PRENTISS, Moderator. 

Nathaniel Thayer, ? o -a 

o TXT y Scribes^ 

Samuel Worcester, 3 



A true copy, Attest, 

Nathaniel Thayer, ? <> .-a 
o -r,,. > Scribes. 

oAMUEL Worcester,^ 



Petition of Ebenezer Dorr and others. 

To the Gentlemen composing the Second Parish in Dorchester 
under the pastoral care of the Rev. John Codman. 

Friends and Brethren, The law passed at the last session of 
the General Court respecting' fiublic wor shift and religious free- 
dom^ having authorized persons to become members of religious 
societies, by having such membership certified by a committee 
chosen for that purpose, and filed w4th the Clerk of the town 
%vhere they dwell; 

We, the subscribers, wish to avail ourselves of that privilege 
and become members of your parish, provided the same shall 
meet your approbation. 

When your parish was formed, such persons only as signified 
their desire, in writing, to join it within one year were permit- 
ted; and there being no minister of the gospel settled within 
that time, we neglected the privilege until it was too late; and» 
as we generally live near and attend public worship in your 
meeting-house, we think it expedient that we should belong to 
your society, if you are pleased to receive us, and will take meas" 
ures for that purpose at your next meeting. 

We have no desire to become parties in any unpleasant dis- 
putes which exist, but hope that peace will be restored, on 
which the happiness of so many depend, and that we may enjoy 
it witli you without interruption. 

Ebenezer Dorr, John Lemist, 

John Tolman, Thomas Leed, 



lie 

Edward Foster, Phinehas Tolman, 

Stephen Tolman, Elizabeth Clap, 

Lemuel Tolman, Baul Lambert, 

Joseph W. Within gton, Elizabeth Davenport. 
Dorchester^ Oct. 9 thy 1811. 



Request for the insertion of certain Articles in the 
Warrant for the Parish Meetings Nov. 28. 

Dorchester, November 20th, 1811. 

To Thomas Tileston, Esq. Messrs. Thomas Crehore, and Eben- 
ezer Daggett, Assessors of the Second Parish in the town of 
Dorchester. 

Gentlemen, We the subscribers respectfully request you to 
insert, in your warrant for the next meeting of said parish, the 
following articles, viz. 

1. To see if the parish will permit Ebenezer Dorr, of Rox- 
feury, and sundry persons in the town of Dorchester, to become 
members of said second parish, for reasons mentioned in their 
petition or request, in writing. 

2. To choose a committee to certify the membership of such 
persons as may become members of said second parish, agreea- 
bly to the law respecting public worship and religious freedom, 
passed at the last session of the General Court. 

To consider, and if the parish please, to accept of the propo= 
sals made by a committee of the Church in this parish to the 
Rev. Mr. Codman respecting the relinquishment of a part of his 
salary, as stated in said committee's letter, and Mr. Codman's 
answer in September last. 

Benjamin Hitchborn, James Baker, 

John Winthrop, Ebenezer Withington, 

Ebenezer Capen, Joseph Clap, jun. 

John Baker, Samuel Capen, jun, 

Jeseph Clapj John Capen, 4th. 



Ill 

Parish Meeting. 
At a Meeting of the Second Parish in Dorchester, on Thursday 
the 28th of November, Anno Domini, 1811. 
Mr. Samuel Withington^ Moderator. 
Whereas the late ecclesiastical council were not able to make 
any result upon the main subject of complaint, and dissatisfac- 
tion submitted to them; and whereas the council did recom- 
mend, and it is always a duty to pursue such measures as will 
tend to peace, that the God of peace may delight to dwell 
among us; and whereas, the continuance of controversies, 
contentions, and animosities between clergymen and people, are 
contrary to the benevolent and charitable spirit of the gospel, 
and tend to destroy all domestic, social and Christian peace, har- 
mony and brotherly love, to imbitter all the joys of life, and blast 
the hopes of everlasting enjoyment hereafter in the peaceable 
kingdom of the Redeemer;- — and whereas, there appears to be 
no prospect of a restoration of peace, harmony, and friendly in- 
tercourse in the parish, so long as the Rev. Mr. Codman re- 
mains its minister; — and whereas, the letters missive for calling 
the council were so drafted, either intentionally, or by mistake, 
that the council thought they could not, or at least were not ex- 
pressly required to give their advice and opinion upon the ex- 
pediency, under all circumstances, of the dissolution of the con- 
nexion between the minister and parish; 

Therefore — Voted, That Thomas Tileston, Thomas Crehore? 
Ebenezer Daggett, Benjamin Parsons and Ebenezer Trescott, 
be a committee with full power and authority to appoint and 
agree, with the Rev. Mr. Codman, in choosing a mutual ecclesi- 
astical council; or in case the Rev. Mr. Codman refuses to join 
and agree with them in choosing such council, forthwith to ap- 
point an ex parte ecclesiastical council, to take into considera- 
tion the complaints against the Rev. Mr. Codman, on account of 
his having refused and neglected, contrary to the expectation 
and wishes of the parish, to exchange ministerial labors with 
most of the Rev. Clergy of the Boston Assosialion of ministers; 
and to take in view, the present unhappy state and situation of 
the parish, and to give their advice, or result, whether it is ex- 
pedient or necessary, that the Rev. Mr. Codman should be dis- 
missed from his ministerial and pastoral office in said parish; or, 
that he should be advised to ask a dismission, and that the par- 
ish should be requested to grant the sameupcn just and honer- 
i.We terms. 



112 

And that the said committee be fully authorized to transact^ 
do and perform whatever may be necessary to carry into effect 
the object of this vote. 

Voted, To decide the third article in the Warrant by written 
yeas and nays; yeas 57, nays 36. 

^ true Copy. Attest, Thomas Tileston, Clerk. 

N. B. The meeting called at the request of Benjamin Hitch- 
born and others, was dissolved by a vote of the parish, and the 
articles were not acted upon. 



Thomas Tileston, Esq. to Rev. Mr. Coclman. 

Dorchester, Nov. 29, 1811. 

Rev. Sir, The committee chosen at the parish meeting on the 
28th instant, request you to meet them on Friday next, and 
agree upon a mutual ecclesiastical council, for the purposes 
mentioned in the vote of the parish of the 28th instant. 

They also I'equest you as pastor and head of the church (be= 
fore that time) to call a meeting of the church, and inform them 
that it is the desire of the committee that the Church would join 
you, and give their consent that the committee and you should 
appoint a mutual ecclesiastical council, as stated in the parish 
vote. I am., Rev. Sir, in behalf of the Committee, yours re- 
spectfully, Thomas Tileston, Chairman. 

Rev. Mr. Codman. 



Application for a Church Meeting. 

Dorchester, Nov. 50, 1811. 
Rev. Sir, The aggrieved members of your Church request 
ybu to call a church meeting on Friday next, for the purpose of 
uniting with the parish committee, to agree in choosing a mu- 
tual ecclesiastical council, upon the principles stated in the par- 
ish vote of November 28th, 1811. 



In behalf of the aggrieved brethren, 

Samuel Withington, 
Ebenezer Davenport, ^ Committee. 
Samuel B, Lyon, 
Rev. Mr. Codman, 



■] 



113 



Rev. Mr. Codman to T. Tileston, E.'iq. 

Dorchester, Decembers, 18U. 

Dear Sir, On Saturday morning I received your note enclos- 
ing the vote of the parish, of the 2ath ult. and requesting me to 
meet the committee therein appointed on Friday next; previous^ 
ly to which I had received a request from a committee of the 
brethren of the church, to call a church meeting on Friday, pn 
similar business. 

As soon as I know what steps the Church will take in this un- 
pleasant affair, I will reply more particularly to the request con- 
tained in the parish vote. 

With due respect, your friend and pastor, John Codmai^. 



Church Meeting. 

Friday, December 6th, 1811. 

The church met, agreeably to notice given by request of the 
aggrieved members of the church, and voted to choose a com- 
mittee of five to take the subject into consideration, and to 
report at the adjournment; and Deacon Badlam, Deacon With- 
ington, Deacon Clap, brother John Capen, jun. and brother 
Joseph Cji,p were accordingly chosen, and the meeting adjourn- 
ed tQ Thursday next, at 4 o'clock, P.M. 

Attest^ John Codisjan, Clerk 



JRev. Mr. Codman to T. Tileston, Esq. 

Dear Sir, In my note dated the 2d instant I informed you, that 
as soon as the church had acted upon the unpleasant business- 
submitted to them, I would reply more particularly to the re- 
qiiest contained in the parish vote. 

The church met yesterday agreeably to appointment, and 
chose a committee to take the subject into consideration, and t^ 
ireport on Thursday next. 
15 



114 

As you are probably anxious to hear from me, 1 think it my 
duty not to wait for the report of the committee, but immedi- 
ately to pay attention to your request. 

I had indulged the hope that a reconciliation would have 
taken place, and peace and harmony would have been restored, 
after a mutual council, regularly and impartially chosen, had 
resulted upon the charges alleged against me, and after I had 
manifested a disposition, as far as possible, to comply with the 
wishes of my society. But in order to convince you that I shall 
never shrink from an investigation into my character and con- 
duct, I am ready, if you still insist upon it, to unite with you in 
the choice of another council upon fair principles. At the 
same time I cannot but express my regret that such a step 
should be persisted in, as I fear it will not be attended with any 
good effect, and will only involve the society in unnecessary 
trouble and expense. 

If these evils could be prevented by some accommodation 
between those who wish the continuance, and those who desire 
the dissolution of my ministerial relation, it would be greatly 
desirable. But if this cannot be effected, and the parish are 
determined to carry their late vote into execution, I am ready 
to unite in a mutual council. 

It is uncertain whether the church will, or will not unite in 
the choice. Before, then, we can proceed, it will be necessary 
to wait to hear the report of their committee. 

In the mean time I am. Sir, and gentlemen of the committee, 
with due respect, your friend and pastor, John Codman. 

l)oroliester, Saturday morning, Dec. 7th, 1811. 



T. Tileston, Esq. to Rev. Mr. Codman. 

Dorchester, Dec 9th, 1811. 

Rev. Sir, Your note of the 7th instant, was received on Satur- 
day evening last, wherein you inform the committee, that the^ 
church met, agreeably to appointment, and chose a committee, 
to take the object of the meeting into consideration, and report 
at the adjournment. 

You also state to them that you had indulged the hope that a 

econciliation would have taken place, and peace and harmony 

have been restored, after a mutual council, regularly and im-' 



115 

partially chosen had resulted, upon the charges alleged against 
you— -and after you had manifested a disposition, as far as pos- 
sible, to comply with the wishes of your society. 

The committee, Sir, have been, and are still ignorant of any 
measure pursued by you, to effect so desirable an object as the 
restoration of peace and harmony in your society, unless indeed, 
you have particular reference to the recent exchange made 
with the Rev. Mr. Lowell;* a gentleman with many other of 
his friends and associates, your society would have rejoiced to 
have heard in the pulpit long before this period, 

The earnest and repeated solicitations of a great majority of 
your parish on this important subject, must be so apparent to 
you, that further comment at the present time is considered 
unnecessary. 

The committee have heard no principle avowed by you. Sir, 
that satisfies them, as to the extraordinary circumstance of ex- 
change made with the Rev.-^Mr. Lowell, And, Sir, if this is all 
you can possibly do, to restore peace and tranquillity in the 
parish, you must not feel disappointed, if months or years 
should pass away before its accomplishment. 

The committee request you, immediately after the result of 
the church meeting is known, to appoint a time and place for 
the purpose of agreeing upon a mutual ecclesiastical council, 
upon just and honorable terms (with an umpire) to settle ex- 
isting differences as stated in the parish vote. 

I am. Rev. Sir, in behalf of the committee, yours respectfully, 

Thomas Tileston, Chairman. 



Church Meeting, 

At a meeting of the Second Church in Dorchester, Thursday 
December 12th, agreeably to adjournment. 

The committee chosen at the last meeting reported as fol- 
lows. The committee appointed by the Church on the 6th 
instant to "take into consideration the parish vote of the 28th 
ult. and the request of the aggrieved members of this Church,'* 
beg leave to submit the following 

• As much conversation has taken place, and many mistakes and misrepresen- 
tations have been made in consequence of this exchange, tlie Ilev. Mr. Codmaa 
thinks it a duty he owes himself and the public to state, tliat the exchange-was 
made consistently with the principles whicU have uwlorxnly governed him in his 
mini«tefial exchanges. 



116 
REPORT. 



Before your Committee propose the measures which appear 
to them proper to be taken by the Church at this time they 
think it expedient to exhibit a brief and explicit declaration of 
what we consider to be the sentiments and feelings of this 
church towards their pastor. 

We have long been silent. From a regard to peace we have 
as far as possible, kept ourselves aloof from the various subjects 
of dispute. But the time has now arrived when longer silence 
would be attributed to timidity, irresolution, and a want of 
attachment to him who is placed over us in the Lord. 

It seems proper and necessary therefore, to preserve on the 
records of our church a solemn, written document, expressing 
our views with respect to the Christian and ministerial charac- 
ter of the Rev. Mr. Codman. 

When, in compliance with the unanimous wishes of the 
church, our pastor was ordained to the work of the ministry 
among us, we esteemed it a happy day. We anticipated from 
him a course of faithful labors and affectionate endeavors to 
promote our good. We cheerfully and sincerely pledged our- 
selves to return those kind offices which are due from a Chris- 
tian church to a beloved pastor. And we hoped and prayed for 
spiritual blessings upon us and our children. 

We solemnly give thanks to God this day, that the anticipa- 
tions, indulged at the time of the Rev. Mr. Codman*s ordination 
have been in some good degree realized; and the mutual prom- 
ises then expressed in some good degree fulfilled. 

As our pastor had, before his settlement, stated most fairly 
and distinctly, the doctrines which he intended to preach, and the 
manner in which he intended to discharge his ministerial duty, 
we knew what to expect from him in this important concern. 
And, after three years have elapsed, we are not able to per- 
ceive that he has deviated from the course of conduct, which he 
then so explicitly prescribed to himself. On the contrary, we 
feel ourselves constrained to declare, that in the services of the 
pulpit, he has laboriously and zealously inculcated those doc- 
trines which he then professed, and has followed them by press = 
Ing on the conscience and the heart the duties of Christianity. 



117 

We have always regarded him, and do now regard him as a 
feithful laborer in the vineyard of his Lord; as a workman, who 
necdeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of triitbj 
as a conscientious minister of the New Testament, who watches 
for souls, as one who must give an account, and who strives, and 
labors, and prays for the salvation of his people. In his private 
intercourse with the members of his church and parish, we recog-^ 
nize the disinterested, self-denying, beneficent spirit of the gos- 
pel. We rejoice in saying, that we believe him to be remarkably 
actuated by this spirit; that in his visits to houses of affliction he 
is a minister of consolation; that to those, who are inquiring 
•what they shall do to be saved, he is an affectionate, spiritual 
counsellor; and that, in private dwellings, as well as in the pul- 
pit, on other days of the week, as well as on the Sabbath, he is a 
blessing to his people. 

We desire also to state, with devout gratitude to God, that 
we have reason to hope our pastor's labors have been manifest'^ 
ly attended with a Divine blessing. Large additions have been 
made to our number under his ministry; the attention of out 
youth has been directed to religion, and the fruits of the Spirit 
have appeared, as we conceive, in the increase of vital and prac-= 
tical ^piety.* 

It is painful to reflect, however, that this our joy is damped, 
and our flattering prospects clouded, by an opposition to Mr, 
Codman of a very unpleasant nature. On this opposition we 
refrain from making any remarks, only lamenting its existence, 
and heartily wishing that it may subside. 

It gives us peculiar pain, that it has increased in vehemence 
and numbers. 

Notwithstanding this unhappy state of things, your committee 
are decidedly of opinion, that there is no just cause for a separ- 
ation between the Rev. Mr. Codman and his fiarishy and that it 
is the duty of this church to do all in their power to prevent such 
a separation. The evils which v/ould result, in case our pastor 
should leave ys, are so many and so great, that we cannot antic- 
ipate them without the most painful sensations. Divided and 

•At the time of the Rev. Mr. Codman's ordination, in Dec 1808, the second 
church in Dorchester consisted of 88 members. Since which 521iave been add- 
ed by profession, and 14 have been received from other churches,- 5 have died 
kaving the present number 149, of whom 49 are males, and 100 females. 
April, 1812. 



118 

torn to pieces, we should not be able to unite in another minis'^ 
ter. Deprived of a man whom they greatly esteem, the church 
would despond and languish. A prey to sectarians; this parish 
would very probably be exposed to numberless dissentions, and 
the present difficulties would be continued through succeeding 
generations. In short, we should consider the dissolution of 
Mr. Cod man's pastoral relation to his people, as a frown of 
Divine Providence, as an awful calamity, the full extent of 
which cannot be foreseen, or viewed with too much apprehen- 
sion. 

The questions to be submitted to a second ecclesiastical 
council relate, as appear from the vote of the parish, to the 
following subjects: Jirst^ the complaints of the parish, with 
regard to ministerial exchanges; and, secondly^ the reasons, 
furnished by existing difficulties, for the dissolution of the pas- 
torial connexion. We think such a council unnecessary, and the 
demand to convene it unreasonable. The grounds of this opin- 
ion arc the following: 

FIRST. The opposers of Mr. Codman have already prepared 
all the articles of charge which they could collect against him, 
and laid them before a mutual ecclesiastical council, composed 
of able, pious, and good men, who found the charges unsupport- 
ed by evidence; or the actions complained of, so innocent in 
their nature, as to leave nothing against his ministerial and 
inoral character and conduct. 

SECOND. The complaint, relative to exchanges, is a reitera- 
tion of the question, on which the council were equally divided. 
A renewal of the same complaint, so suddenly, appears contrary 
to the beneficent and charitable spirit of the gospel, and too 
oppressive to be justified in a free government. We consider 
the right to decide, in respect of exchanges, to be vested in the 
minister; as many difficulties may exist, which are generally 
unknown to the society, and never could be obviated or settled 
by a numerous assembly, having diverse sentiments and views, 
and being under the influence of different interests, attachments, 
and prejudices. 

THIRD. A late exchange of ministerial labors, made by Mr. 
Codman with a highly respected member of the Boston Asso- 
ciation, appears to have increased the irritation of some of Mr. 
Codman's opposers, whose complaint is, that he does not ex- 
change with said Association: which clearly evinces, that n© 



119 

course of conduct can be adopted, which will meet their gen- 
eral approbation. 

FOURTH. We consider the contract, between Mr. Codman 
and his parish, to be binding on theparish in law and conscience, 
so long as he preserves it inviolate on his part; and there does 
not appear to be the least foundation for any pretence that Mr. 
Codman has thus violated it. 

FIFTH. We believe that the complaint against Mr. Codman 
with respect to exchanges, has been with many only ostensible^ 
and, that ofip,08ition to his religious doctrines is the radical cause 
of comfilaint and dissatisfaction; which, we have reason to fear, 
would not cease, nor become more tolerable, should Mr. Cod- 
tnan leave us; unless his friends would sacrifice their own prin- 
ciples and feelings, and become entirely subservient to. those, 
whose high professions qf liberality do not preserve them from 
the greatest intolerance. 

SIXTH. It appears to be the intention of some of Mr.Codman's 
opposers, to make the difficulties as great as possible, and to 
urge it as a reason for his dismission; and thus, to take advau' 
tage of their own wrong. This principle is so utterly at variance 
loiih justice, that no honest man can view it with approbation; 
and, if once admitted, would encourage the disaffected in all 
societies, to introduce anarchy and confusion. 

Although, for the foregoing reasons, there appears to be not 
only no ground for calling a council, but important objections 
against such a measure; and, notwithstanding the parish rejected 
a committee of conference, to try to settle the difficulties, and 
did not request the church to concur in their votes; yet, your 
committer, feeling it imp«)rtant that, if there must be another 
council, the church should be distinctly known, and their rights 
fairly maintained, trusting, also, in the justice of their cause, 
and fully persuaded that they have nothing to fear from the de- 
cision of an impartial council; and that it is the duty of this 
church openly to come forward, to support and strengthen their 
pastor in his trying conflicts, and to do all in their power to 
protect him from the distressing effects of the persecuting 
spirit, which has been manifested against him ■ -beg leave tQ 
recommend, that if the parish committee insist upon having 
another council, that the church unite with their pastor in the 
choice. . 

Tins your committee do the more readily, being fully con- 
vinced, that such a council will advise to such measures as wil) 



120 

effect an accotomodation between the parties in the parish, and 
secure our pastor to his church and people. 

To accomplish so desirable an object, they recomirend th« 
course of measures described in the following vote. 

Voted, "that a committee be chosen to manage this import- 
ant business, and that they be instructed: 

First, To confer with the parish committee, with a view t» 
some accommodation between the parties in the parish, in 
order if possible, to prevent the trouble and expense in which 
the society will be involved, by the choice of another council. 

Secondly, If the parish committee insist upon a council, and 
reject all terms of accommodation, to unite with our reverend 
pastor in choosing a part of the council. 

Thirdly, To appear before the council in the name of the 
church and make such representations as truth and justice may 
require. Stephen Badlam, John Capen, jr. 

Eben. Withington, Joseph Clap. 
Joseph Clap, jr. Coinmittee, 

The report of the committee being read was accepted, and 
the church voted to choose a committee of seven, agreeably to 
the vote recommended in the report. The church also voted, 
to choose their committee by written votes. The following 
brethren were then unanimously chosen, viz. 

Deacon Stephen Badlam, Brother John Capen, jr. 

Deacon Eben. Withington, Brother Joseph Clap, 

Deacon Joseph Clap, jr. Brother Stephen Robinson. 

Brother James Baker, 

The meeting was then dissolved. 



Rev, Mr. Codman to T, Tileston, Esq. 

Dorchester, Dec. 13th, 1311. 

Bear Sir, In your note of the 9th instant, you request me 
"immediately after the result of the church meeting is known, 
to appoint a time and place for the purpose of agreeing upon 
a mutual ecclesiastical council upon just and honorable terms, 
with an umpire, to settle existinp^ difficulties as stated in the 
parish vote." 

Yesterday the committee of the church reported. The 
church, agreeably to their report, have chosen a committee, of 



121 

which Deacon Badlam is chairman, to confer -with the parish 
committee, with a view to an accommodation between the par- 
ties in the parish, in order, if possible, to prevent the trouble 
and expense in which the society will be involv^.d by the choice 
of another council; and, if all terms of accommodation are reject- 
ed, to unite with their pastor in the choice of part of the council. 

As the church have thought proper to take an active part, 
you will of course, I presume, hear from their committee on the 
subject, which renders it manifestly improper for me at the 
present stage of the business, to appoint a time and place for 
the purpose mentioned in your note. I am, Sir, &c. 

John Codman. 

Thomas Tileston, Esq. Chairman. 



Stephen Badlam^ Esq. to Thomas Tileston, Esq, and 

Others. 

Dorchester, Dec. 14th, 1811. 
Gentlemen, The second church in Dorchester, having appoint- 
ed a committee to confer with you, on the subject of proposing 
some accommodation between the parties in the parish, in or- 
der, if possible, to prevent the trouble and expense of another 
ecclesiastical council to judge of the complaints of the parish 
against the Rev. Mr. Codman, 

I have the honor to request your attention to that business, 
and, if it meets your approbation, to appoint the time and place, 
any time after Monday next. With sentiments of respect, I am, 
your humble servant, Stephen Badlam, Chairman. 



Thomas Tileston, Esq. to Stephen Badlam, Esq. 

Dorchester, Dec. 17th, 1811. 
Dear Sir, Your note of the 14th instant was received on Sat- 
urday last, wherein you express a wish, that the parish com- 
mittee should appoint a time and place to meet you, to confer 
on the subject of proposing some accommodation. Sec. 8cc. as 
stated in your letter. 

You are sensible, Sir, and gentlemen of the committee, that 
the parish committee have no authority to agree upon any terms 
of accommodation, as it respects the Rev. Mr. Codman, as will 
appear by the parish vote. 

16 



122 

I am, notwithstanding, requested to inform you, that, as in- 
dividuals, the parish committee will meet y«u and your com- 
mittee, on Wednesday evening next, at 5 o'clock, P. M. at 
Thayer's Hall, for the purpose of hearing your proposals for 
accommodation. I am. Sir, and gentlemen of the committee, 
in behalf of the parish committee, yours respectfully, 

Thomas Tileston, Chairman. 



Church Meeting, 

After the usual business of the annual meeting of the Church 
■was finished (Jan. 10th, 1812) the following report was read and 
accepted, viz. 

Pursuant to a vote of the Church of the ?2th of December last, 
the committee then appointed "to confer with the parish commit- 
tee, with a view to some accommodation between the parties in 
the parish; in order, if possible, to prevent the trouble and ex- 
pense in which the society will be involved by the choice 
of another council," gave notice to the parish committee; 
and on the 19th day of December last, met Thomas Tile- 
ston, Esq. Thomas Crehore, Ebenezer Daggett, Benjamin Par- 
sons, Benjamin Fuller, Capt. Samuel B. Lyon, Ebenezer Daven- 
port, and Samuel Richards. 

The church committee, after some preliminary observations, 
and poiniuig out the expediency of agreeing, upon terms of ac- 
commodation proposed, 

FIRST, 
*'That the friends of Mr. Codman purchase all 
the pews of his opposers in the South Meeting- 
House who are willing to sell (and will leave the soci- 
ety) at the cost, viz. what they were appraised at^ and 
what was given for choice, notwithstanding the 
pews Fold for §10-100 more than the cost of the house 
and land, and other expenses." 

But there appeared no disposition in Mr. Codman's opposers 
to comply with any propositions except his dismission, which 
the church committee had no authority or desire to accede to, as 
they were convinced, beyond all doubt, that the difficultias %vould 
he increased by such a measure^ and therefore made this 



SECOND PROPOSITION. 
^'It is proposed, that three referees be chosen by 
those in the parish who are disaffected to the Rev. 
Mr. Codman, and three more by his friends; and that 
said six referees choose the seventh; and that said re- 
ferees decide which party shall retain the present meet- 
ing-house, and which shall be considered the second 
parish; those, who hold the present house, to purchase 
all the pews of those, who wish to sell and leave 
the society, at such price, and to pay in such time, 
as the referees shall determine." 

This proposition was also rejected by Mr. Codman*s opposers 
before named, who gave notice that they should insist upon an 
ecclesiastical council. 

Stephen Badlam, John Capen jr. 

Ebenezer Withington, Joseph Clap, 

Joseph Clap, jun. Stephen Robinson. 

James Baker, Committee, 

Dorchester^ January the lOth^ 1812. 

A' deed of seven acres of land was presented and read; 
* whereupon the church voted, That this church entertain a grate- 
ful sense of the pious liberality of their brother Dr. James Ba- 
ker, in his generous donation of a certain piece of land, for pur- 
poses expressed in the deed. 

And that it is the resolution of this Church to support the Rev. 
Mr. Codman as their pastor, as long as his ministerial and moral 
character remains unstained. And should the course of proceed- 
ings be such, that the said Rev. Mr. Codman, by means of the 
unreasonable opposition which is made, or may be made, against 
him, should leave the South meeting-house in said Dorchester, 
where he now preaches the Gospel, This Church, with such of 
the parish as may join them, will erect, on the land so giv^n, a 
suitable and convenient house, where they and the rising gener- 
ation may worship God, and e?:joi/ their religion without inter* 
ruption or molestation. 

The Church also take this opportunity to explain what is to 
be understood by their uniting in the choice of the council pro- 
posed by the parish committee. They do no! submit to them thfl 



124 

question of Mr. Cod-man's dismission from this Churchy as appears 
from the vote just passed respecting Dr. Baker's land, nor do 
they intend to pay any part of the expense, but their object is to 
have an opportunity vi^oroushj to defend their pastor before the 
council-^ and to endeavor to obtain justice for him and themselves. 
The meeting was then dissolved. 



This certifies that those of the preceding papers, -which relate 
to the church, are true copies from the records. 

Attest, John Codman, Clerk of the Church. 



SECOND ECCLESIASTICAL COUNCIL. 

After several attempts to choose a Second Ecclesiastical 
Council, the following respectable Gentlem.en were unani- 
mously agreed upon by all parties concerned. 

Rev. Joseph Lathrop^ D. D. West-Springfield. 

Rev. Thomas Barnard., D. D. Salem. 

Rev. Thomas Prentiss, D. D. Medfield. 

Rev. John Reed, D. D. Bridgewater. 

Rev. John Allyne, Duxbury. 

Rev. Daniel Dana, Newburyport. 

Rev. J\''athaniel Thayer, Lancaster. 

Rev. Samuel Stearns, Bedford. 

Rev. Samuel Worcester, D.D, Salem. 

For whose information, in particular, as well as for the infor- 
mation of the public in general, the preceding Collection of 
Papers is respectfully submitted. 



May 15. Yesterday the second Ecclesiastical 
Council published their residt; declaring it ^'not ex- 
pedient," in their opinion, "that the Rev. Mr. Codman 
should be dismissed from his ministerial and pastoral 
office,^^ and earnestly recommending the things ivhich 
make for peace. 



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